Book and Kulture pop-up brings a welcome multi-ethnic dimension to Quintain's Wembley Park - photo review

It is over 10 years since a petition LINK was launched to save the Willesden Bookshop from closure. The much-loved bookshop needed an affordable space in the much vaunted new Willesden Cultural Centre that was to replace the Willesden Green Library. Unfortunately Brent Council was uncooperative and it now only exists on-line.

It's specialism was women's literature ands Black interest with an amazing selection of multi-ethnic children's books.

 The children's section in the Willesden Bookshop

It was a delight then to visit Book and Kulture at their new pop-up shop in the Quintain development at Wembley Park who also want to cater for Brent's diverse culture.  Their offering is not only books but other items with a Black interest aspect.  Local teachers are recommended to visit for the range of children's books - fiction and non-fiction.

I have tried to capture the offer in the following photographs but do pop in. You are sure of a friendly welcome.  The shop is off Olympic way next to Bread Ahead.

OPENING HOURS:

Monday Closed

Tuesday and Wednesday 11am-7pm

Thursday to Saturday 11am - 8pm

Sunday 12pm -6pm

At last a shop in Quintain's Wembley Park that reflects Brent's diversity - only a 'pop up' but a start

 

On Tuesday 3rd May, the Book & Kulture Pop Up Shop opens its doors to the public in the heart of Wembley Park. Located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Wembley Stadium, Book & Kulture will extend their online offering of diverse books and crafts to those living/working locally in the Wembley Park area. 

 

 

Founder, Vanessa La Rose comments: 

 

Working with Quintain has been amazing and I’m really pleased to be creating an opportunity for Brent residents to access diverse books and crafts. As one of the most diverse boroughs in London, it’s astounding that we will be one of only three independent bookshops in the borough. We hope that by opening our doors we will encourage people to take more of an interest in reading and look at books that feature more reflective characters.

 

Book & Kulture Pop Up Shop 22 Olympic Way
Wembley Park
HA9 0GU

Opening hours;
Mon: Closed
Tues & Wed: 11am – 7pm Thurs, Fri & Sat: 11am – 8pm Sun: 12pm – 6pm

On Bookshop Day (Saturday October 9th) join Book & Kulture in celebrating diversity in books. Meet guest authors who will sign your book purchases.

 

Bookshop Day is one-day nationwide celebration of all high street bookshops including independent bookshops like Book & Kulture, based at The Grange, Neasden.

 

The campaign aims to highlight the cultural importance of books and bookshops, and celebrate the people that bring the two together! 

 

Bookshop Day happens annually in October and will take place on Saturday 9 October 2021. 

 

Bookshop Day first launched in 2013 and is run by the Booksellers Association to encourage book lovers, like you, to shop at their local bookshop. 

 

Book & Kulture are collaborating with Black Wall Street London to create a more diverse #bookshopday this year. They’ll be taking over the basement to bring a host of diverse titles to Camden at their shop at 279 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BX from 10am on Saturday until 7pm.

 

This flagship Afrocentric store, exists to showcase high quality under-represented Black owned businesses. Curated by founder, Natasha Vigille her aim is to provide an accessible and affordable business trading space and provide solutions for the 'Strategic Challenges' experienced by Black African Caribbean entrepreneurs.

 

As well as exhibiting an amazing array of diverse books; a number of authors will be visiting throughout the day to sign books and meet the public. They include Kandace Chimbiri, author of newly released ‘The Story Of Afro Hair’, Venessa Taylor, author of Baller Boys and Wendy Shearer, author of African and Caribbean Folktales, Myths and Legends & Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past.

 

A limited number of exclusive tote bags designed by Dapo Adeola will also be available to purchase on the day.

 

Founder, Vanessa La Rose comments:

We’re excited to be in the heart of Camden. A place that celebrates diversity and standing firm in who you are. We’ve collaborated with a brilliant store that is focused on inclusion and representation....perfect for Black History Month. We welcome and encourage the community to join us.

 

 

Good news for Brent as diverse bookshop opens its door at The Grange, Neasden roundabout

 As a young primary teacher in the 1970s I used to visit the New Beacon Bookshop in Stroud Green Road to buy books for pupils that reflected my multiracial classroom as well as books for my own self-education about Black history, culture and literature.

Now 50 years later the woman credited with saving New Beacon when it fell behind the times and could no longer provide the service modern customers  required, has brought her skills and passion to Brent in the form of Book and Kulture, an on-line book shop dedicated to providing books and cultural resources reflecting our diverse society. It will now offer an in-person service at its premises in the former Brent History Museum at the The Grange on Neasden roundabout.

New  Beacon was founded by Sarah White and her husband John La Rose in 1966 and it was John's grandson Renaldo La Rose, with his wife Vanessa who took on the task of  saving New Beacon from closure .

 Vanessa La Rose said:

It is important now more than ever that we create as many opportunities for Brent residents to access diverse books and crafts. As one of the most diverse boroughs in London, it’s astounding that we will be one of only three independent bookshops in the borough. We hope that by opening our doors we will encourage people to take more of an interest in reading and look at books that feature more reflective characters.

 

On Tuesday 1st June Book & Kulture will extend their online offering of diverse books and crafts to those living/working locally by opening their doors to customers allowing them to browse through their diverse range of books and crafts in store. Whilst the bookshop won’t carry the extensive range offered on the website, the selection gives customers an insight into the vast array of diverse books and crafts available. 

 

The Grange

Located in The Grange, the former Brent Museum in the centre of Neasden roundabout, the shop will open every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 11am – 4pm and on every second Saturday of the month from 10.30am – 6pm.

There is parking at The Grange and pedestrians can reach it by the pedestrian bridge (please don't try and cross the road on foot!)