World Book Day 2023: New study reveals the London boroughs with the most independent bookstores

World Book Day is set to return next week on March 2, and a study from Barratt London has revealed which London borough is home to the most independent bookstores.

Independent bookstores are key to education and World Book Day. Independent retailers have taken a hit since COVID and now with the cost-of-living crisis that shows no signs of slowing down. Now more than ever, the message of shopping locally is being spread. .

The study found that in total, 131 independent book shops can be found in London. When shopping at an independent you’re not only getting a personal experience, but you can also usually find some unique items.

Hackney, which is home to over 280,000 residents is in second place with 12 independent book shops. Some mentions include Housman’s Bookshop Ltd, Hoxton Books, Pages of Hackney and Artworlds Bookshop Limited.

Richmond upon Thames follows in third with 10 independent book businesses. You can find female-owned Parade’s End, The Open Book, Hewson Books and Barnes Bookshop in the East London borough.

But, the London borough which is home to the most independent bookstores is Camden. The borough has 22 shops in total. Some mentions include Skoob Books, Primrose Hill Books, Karnac Books, and more.

London boroughs with the most independent bookstores

1 - Camden - 22

2 - Hackney - 12

3 - Richmond upon Thames - 10

=4 - Kensington and Chelsea - 9

=4 - Lambeth - 9

6 - Southwark - 8

7 - Brent - 5

=8 - City of London - 4

=8 - Haringey - 4

=8 - Islington - 4

=8 - Lewisham - 4

When is World Book Day 2023?

This year, World Book Day is celebrated globally on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

What is World Book Day?

According to the official website, World Book Day’s “mission is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.” World Book Day was created by UNESCO on 23rd April 1995 as a worldwide celebration of books and reading.