Daily Focus supports World Book Day: Your guide to independent bookshops in Staffordshire

It’s World Book Day today and independent bookshops are booming across Staffordshire, making it an exciting time for readers in the county.

At Daily Focus we always love to hear about new bookshops opening. Here we spotlight some of the recent launches in the county’s literary landscape – and if you know another great Staffordshire bookshop, give them a shout out in the comments.

That Little Bookshop opened in Stafford town centre after starting life as a pop-up. Founder Cassie Gerrard, who previously worked in accountancy and complementary therapies, transformed the Tipping Street store into a cosy bookshop that blends old-world charm with modern touches, including a book bar and a reading room.

Drop City Books has reopened on Piccadilly in Hanley after repeated flooding forced the closure of its previous premises in November 2024. Owner Ruth Wallbank-Hughes, who describes it as ‘a vibrant, bright, friendly independent bookshop where cool people find cool books’, invested £25,000 in a larger, refurbished space with improved accessibility and a children’s area. An events programme for 2026 is planned, including author launches and poetry visits.

Fiction and Fairy Lights opened on Market Street in Hednesford after novelist Kim Nash took over and rebranded an existing bookshop. A seasoned author and former industry professional, Kim stocked the store with commercial fiction, pre-loved books and gifts, as well as refreshments. She plans to use her publishing contacts to bring well-known writers to Staffordshire in a series of events.

The Book Nook is a quirky late-night bookshop and coffee shop being created by Jennie Martin in Bolebridge Mews in Tamworth. After living with an autoimmune condition, she’s building a space selling pre-loved and new books – mainly thrillers, fantasy and romance – alongside treats from local bakers. The venue aims to be a friendly evening hub for book lovers.

Vellichor Books has just celebrated its second anniversary in Piccadilly Arcade in Hanley, marking two years since owner Mitch Hughes opened the indie bookshop and café in February 2024. Mitch left his previous job as a teaching assistant in a school for children with special educational needs to pursue his dream of running a community-focused bookshop, which hosts events, book clubs, exhibitions and group meet-ups in the welcoming two-storey venue.

The Bookery has launched at Amerton after owner Charley Hughes, a former bookkeeper, decided to chase her dream following a blood cancer diagnosis. The shop sells Blind Date with a Book bundles, a wide range of new titles and bookish gifts, and is open seven days a week.