Dorchester Bookshop Chosen as UK Bookshop Champions

An independent bookshop in Dorchester has been selected as one of only 20 Bookshop Champions across the UK, earning national recognition for its contribution to reading, bookselling and community life.

Teasel & Skylark, in Trinity Street, will represent Dorset during Independent Bookshop Week (13–20 June), flying the flag for independent bookshops through a week of events, partnerships and community activities in the town.

The celebrations will include a special proclamation by Dorchester Town Crier, Anthony Harrison outside the bookshop, marking the start of Independent Bookshop Week in the county town.

On Tuesday 16 June, local author Faith Eckersall will launch her new Dorset-set cosy crime novel, Death by Canapé, in conversation with literary agent Caroline Montgomery.

The following evening, the shop will host The Teasel & Skylark Great Big (Ever-so Slightly) Bookish Quiz Night at The King’s Arms Hotel, raising funds for Mid-Dorset Mencap as part of the national celebrations.

Throughout June, the bookshop is also supporting Dorchester’s Pop-Up Pride initiative by acting as a collection point for the family trail event, while owners Richard Beech and David Tomlinson will be interviewed on Magic Classical Radio as part of national coverage of Independent Bookshop Week.

Alongside the celebrations, the shop is beginning recruitment for its new Young Reviewers’ Club, a major reading project aimed at helping local children – particularly reluctant readers – discover the enjoyment of reading and share their recommendations with others.

The recognition comes during the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging people of all ages to discover the benefits of reading for pleasure.

Independent Bookshop Week is organised by the Booksellers Association, and this year celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Nearly 800 independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland are expected to take part, with the Bookshop Champion programme highlighting a small group of bookshops that are making a significant contribution to their communities.

Richard Beech, co-owner of Teasel & Skylark, said:

“Being chosen as one of only 20 Bookshop Champions is a huge honour for us and for Dorchester.
“Independent bookshops are about far more than selling books. They are places where people meet, discover new ideas, hear local voices and become part of a community.

“We’re particularly proud that this recognition comes during the National Year of Reading. Whether it’s through author events, supporting local charities, encouraging young readers or simply helping somebody find their next great book, we believe reading can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Independent Bookshop Week?
Independent Bookshop Week is a national celebration of independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland. Organised by the Booksellers Association, the annual event highlights the important role local bookshops play in their communities through events, author talks, reading initiatives and special activities.

Why has Teasel & Skylark been named a Bookshop Champion?
Teasel & Skylark has been selected as one of only 20 Bookshop Champions across the UK in recognition of its contribution to reading, community engagement, author events and support for local cultural initiatives. The programme highlights bookshops that make a significant difference within their communities.

Where is Teasel & Skylark located?
Teasel & Skylark is an independent bookshop located in Trinity Street, Dorchester, Dorset. The shop offers a carefully curated range of books, author events, reading groups and community activities throughout the year.

What events are taking place during Independent Bookshop Week in Dorchester?
Independent Bookshop Week celebrations in Dorchester include a proclamation by the Dorchester Town Crier, a book launch with Dorset author Faith Eckersall, a charity Bookish Quiz Night in support of Mid-Dorset Mencap, and a range of activities promoting reading and community engagement.

Who is Faith Eckersall?
Faith Eckersall is a Dorset-based author known for writing cosy crime fiction. During Independent Bookshop Week she will launch her latest novel, Death by Canapé, at Teasel & Skylark in conversation with literary agent Caroline Montgomery.

What is the Young Reviewers’ Club?
The Young Reviewers’ Club is a new initiative from Teasel & Skylark designed to encourage children and young people to discover the enjoyment of reading. The project aims to help young readers, particularly those who may be reluctant readers, share book recommendations and develop confidence through reading.

What is the National Year of Reading 2026?
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign encouraging people of all ages to read more for pleasure. The initiative promotes the educational, social and wellbeing benefits of reading while supporting libraries, schools, authors and independent bookshops.

Why are independent bookshops important to local communities?
Independent bookshops provide much more than books. They support local authors, host community events, encourage literacy, create welcoming social spaces and help maintain vibrant town centres. They often play an important role in promoting culture, learning and community connections.

How can I support independent bookshops in Dorchester?
You can support independent bookshops by purchasing books locally, attending author events, joining reading groups, participating in community activities and recommending local bookshops to friends and family. Supporting local businesses helps strengthen the Dorchester town centre and local economy.

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