It’s the start of a new chapter for bookshop

A local second-hand bookshop has relocated to Blackburn town centre with help from the Blackburn is Open scheme.

Rebound has moved from its former base at Eanam to a new town centre location on Town Hall Street.

The shop is an Aladdin’s Cave for book lovers and the shelves are brimming with reasonably priced, recycled books.

Run by Bootstrap Enterprises, Rebound allows the charity to provide retail training for unemployed people.

Rebound relies on the donations of books and organises regular doorstop and workplace collections.

The shop has been up and running for seven years and decided to make the move after hearing about the recent developments in the town centre.

And they’re looking to open a café on the first floor of their new shop to provide experience for unemployed people seeking employment in the catering and hospitality field.

Bootstrap chief executive Elizabeth Taylor said: “We’re really excited by Blackburn is Open, having something unique for Blackburn is what’s needed.

“The generous donation of books helps us provide a range of training in a real retail environment; we are always pleased to receive donations and are also planning workplace book collections.

“We received many positive comments when the shop was at our former premises. However, we know this location will help us improve the service we offer and have benefits for both staff and customers”.

The Blackburn is Open scheme sees a war waged on empty shops, offices and spaces in Blackburn Town Centre with premises given over to entrepreneurs.

Backed by design guru Wayne Hemingway, the scheme offers discounted premises, support and mentoring to help them build successful and sustainable enterprises as part of a new ‘industrious’ community in the heart of Blackburn.