New book shop opens in Doncaster with the aim of making literature affordable for all children

A Doncaster mother discovered that many children could not afford books so she set up a business where no book is priced above £3 in the hopes that she could help connect more kids with literature.
By Laura Andrew
Published 8th Sep 2020, 12:30 BST
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The Boggledy Book Children’s Bookshop opened on August 6 in Cantley.

It is run by Kerry Marriott, of Branton, who says she has a passion for making literature accessible for all children no matter their parent’s income.

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She said: “I started the book business about seven years ago now when I was on maternity leave.

Kerry Marriott decided to set up an affordable alternative to traditional book fairs as she felt that they were expensive and all children should be able to afford to partake and enjoy books.Kerry Marriott decided to set up an affordable alternative to traditional book fairs as she felt that they were expensive and all children should be able to afford to partake and enjoy books.
Kerry Marriott decided to set up an affordable alternative to traditional book fairs as she felt that they were expensive and all children should be able to afford to partake and enjoy books.

“I was doing a lot of reading around children as new mothers do and I found out that one in eight kids don’t own a single book at home.

“That broke my heart and I wanted to do something about it.”

Up until March of this year, the book business had focused on a fair system where Kerry would physically go into school across South Yorkshire and sell books ranging from £1 to £3.

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“For every five books I sell at a school fair I donate one to their library,” Kerry, 44, said.

A selection of books at the new shop in Cantley.A selection of books at the new shop in Cantley.
A selection of books at the new shop in Cantley.

“I think it’s important that any child can come up to the stalls and be able to walk away with a new book.

“Some book fairs can get quite pricey.

“Especially if parents have multiple children at one school.”

The fairs have been put on hold due to coronavirus and a brand new shop has been opened, as well as a large extension to their online services.

Kerry has not been able to run her fairs since March due to Covid-19 but has just opened her shop in Cantley.Kerry has not been able to run her fairs since March due to Covid-19 but has just opened her shop in Cantley.
Kerry has not been able to run her fairs since March due to Covid-19 but has just opened her shop in Cantley.
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As Kerry’s business grew she needed to find a new premises to house the books and also set up a safe space where she could invite parents and their children to pursue in person.

Kerry said: “We found during lockdown that parents were looking for a lot of workbooks as well as picture books to keep their kids entertained.

“I’m not sure when I will be able to go back to schools but hopefully the new shop will encourage more Doncaster kids to get reading.”

Kerry sells books for children up to the age of 11 but is hoping to expand into key stage three and up in the near future.

You can visit their website here.

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Related topics:DoncasterCantleySouth Yorkshire