Always on
This project successfully funded on 26th January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
This project successfully funded on 26th January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Our base target of £40,000 will cover the shop’s fixed costs for five years, securing this beloved community asset
SCRIPT HAVEN was founded in 2023 and has become the centre of Worcester’s book-loving community. We were created to support indie authors, local creatives, boost literacy, inspire and encourage children, young people and families to discover their love of reading, and over the last 2 years we've been very lucky to become a valued part of the community. We take a lot of pride in the curation of the books we stock – ensuring diversity and visibility. We aim to introduce our customers to new authors and illustrators, with our stock and knowledge - in fact it is our great passion and we believe that independent shops like ours will become even more vital in the next few years.
But, we need help. The rising cost of utilities, insurance and other expenses means we're looking to our community for support.
We are aiming to raise £40,000 to ensure our AMAZING staff, Lauren and Sabrina are paid for their blood (paper cuts), sweat (it gets hot carrying books around!), tears (both happy and sad), and most of all passion for Script Haven.
We also want to do SO MUCH MORE. We are brimming with ideas from author events, workshops, school outreach, and charity campaigns but can only do so if we can keep the lights on and the word about our little shop continues to spread.
As a business, we're not looking to make a profit. We just want to make sure our staff are paid fairly for their time and commitment to the store and keep the lights on.
If you can spare some funds to donate to our cause, we will be hugely grateful. Let's keep the high street alive!
We appreciate that costs are a concern for everyone. You may not think that you can make an individual difference, but we assure you, you can.
We have always been a vibrant community space, offering story times, author visits, book clubs, workshops, and outreach activities to local schools.
But because of the national cost of living crisis and lower spending habits -we have noticed a devastating decline in spending habits, and our costs have risen sharply - we now face a stark choice: close our doors or ask our community for help.
We know we have run a crowdfunder before, to help improve the facilities inside, and you were incredible supporting us. Sadly, these rising costs are simply out of our budget.
So, we need to do whatever it takes to continue and this means asking for help. Without doing this, the bookshop is at risk of closure and we want to avoid that at all costs.
What we’re asking for
Our base target of £40,000 will cover the shop’s basic fixed costs for 5 years, securing this beloved community asset. Reaching the stretch goal of £45,000 would give us a bigger buffer for essential improvements - like increasing ours for our staff and more free events for the community.
Why your support matters
Since opening, Script Haven has become a firm fixture in Worcester - a place where readers of all ages connect, and local authors can launch their work. We’re proud of our unique events, friendly service, and grateful to families, schools, and book lovers who’ve made us their regular destination, sometimes travelling miles.
But retail is a tough world. Like many small businesses, we’re squeezed between rising costs and online competitors. Without urgent support, we risk losing what makes our city special: a place that encourages reading, sparks conversation, and brings people together.
Where the money will go
• Rent: Keeps the doors open and lights on for 5 years.
• Fixed costs: Insurance, energy and utilities.
• Community events: Storytelling for children; author signings; book clubs.
• School outreach: Continuing our outreach with local schools and introducing them to the joys of reading!
• Staff: Keeps our two lovey ladies employed.
Why crowdfund - and why now?
Local Independent bookshops are vanishing across the UK, and we’re determined to show that local readers can rally to preserve one. Crowdfunder helps us connect directly with you - our community - and give everyone a chance to say – we saved a bookshop.
How you can help
• Come into the bookshop and visit us!
• Donate whatever you can. Every contribution matters.
• Come along to one of our many events
• Share our page with friends, family, and fellow readers.
• Share our bookshop.org link at - https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/scripthaven - here you can buy online if you select us as your chosen store and we will benefit
With your help, we can save the bookshop and ensure its survival for the future. .
Whether you're a lifelong bookworm, parent, teacher, local author, or just someone who believes in the power of story - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made