Save the Snug Bookshop - we need your help.

Aim: The target will cover the shop’s fixed costs for four months, securing this beloved community asset, whilst we appeal our business rates.

Who are we?

The Snug Bookshop opened in November 2018 in a beautiful, historic building in Bridgwater but were forced to relocate to its current building in Langport after a serious flood. The bookshop was created to boost literacy, inspire and encourage children, young people and families to discover their love of reading, and over the last 7 years we've been very lucky to be a part of the book community both locally and nationally. 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.

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 absence in visitors since Christmas. Sales have declined, and our costs have risen sharply - we now face a stark choice: close our doors or ask our community for help.

After the flooding, we took on a derelict building that had been empty for 20 years and spent every spare penny on the renovation, bringing the building back into use for the community - Our current building is in 2 parts, and while the bookshop is completely refurbished, the second part is still completely derelict, without water, electricity or heating. It has always been our intent to complete the renovation of that second part and allow another business to use it, ensuring the community has another asset and a space to use. Currently, those costs are just beyond out budget. Unfortunately, due to a change in Business Rates we are currently having to pay for the empty derelict part of the building – which of course is ridiculous and unfair, given that it has been empty for 20 years and we have only been responsible for it for 2 years. We are, of course appealing the £7,000 bill, but it is taking time, and has definitely taken a toll on our health and mental well-being.   

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 £3,500 will cover the shop’s basic fixed costs for four months securing this beloved community asset. Reaching the stretch goal of £7,000 would give us a bigger buffer for essential improvements - like employing staff, more events or increasing our opening hours.

To create a bit of excitement, and a nice little art project for our community, we have created a bookshelf on the empty part of the building and for every £200 pledged we will add a book,

Why your support matters

Since 2018, The Snug has become a firm fixture in Somerset - 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 village 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 4 months.

•    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!

We promise transparency: if we raise more than £7,000, every extra pound will go toward enhancing events, supporting local authors, or investing in our outreach programmes - never to owner profit.

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/snugbookshop - 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. 

This campaign isn’t just about survival - it’s about standing up for what is right. The business rates scheme needs an overhaul. It cannot be denied that shopping habits have changed and the high street is not the bustling hub it used to be. Many larger retailers are choosing to move to the outer retail parks. It is time that the government acknowledged this change and put into place adjustments to the business rates valuation scheme. With your support, The Snug Bookshop can continue to be a welcoming, vibrant space for readers, families, and the wider town community.

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 by 6th August 2025 at 4:00pm