Back to Books is a Digbeth-based independent bookshop that first began in May 2019, when its founder Alexia was struggling to find an independent bookshop in her new home city of Birmingham. Over three years, they have grown from a single box of books – ordered monthly – for Stirchley Community Market, to a thriving bookshop at Red Brick Market in Digbeth, making them part of a small but growing community of independent booksellers in the city.
Selling a range of books, zines, colouring books, puzzles, Pride flags and badges, Back to Books focuses on “queer, feminist, Black, Brown, liberatory and disabled writing, as intersectionally as possible.” Their “work is rooted in care, community and collectivism,” and they aim to “support independent publishers, presses and zine makers, and Birmingham writing.”
Alongside the physical book space in Digbeth, Back to Books – run by Alexia and Cass – also offers:
- £1 book vouchers for recycled pre-loved books
- A monthly queer book club
- Books gifted in solidarity supporting community organisers, trans people in prison, people with little access to resources etc.
- “Digital information, awareness and organising on rights and justice issues, a form of community noticeboard”
- Free menstrual care products and condoms
- Community organising
- Bookshop pop-up at community events
- A physical platform for local zine makers
Due to the economic crisis, however, Back to Books are now reaching out for financial support, which will allow them to continue this work and maintain their space in Digbeth’s Red Brick Market.
“We know our bookspace is loved and appreciated, and that how we work makes people feel seen and supported.” explains the Crowfunding page. “With six months of secure salary and funds to grow our work, Alexia and Cass can invest in making our bookspace a longer-term part of Birmingham’s landscape. Without additional funding, we will need to find other ways to make our monthly wage and may have to close our bookshop.
“We are rich in ideas and really want to expand our team and pay other people to co-host events and develop projects with us, building from where our own resources (and two small grants) have taken us so far. A Birmingham queer book festival, larger bookspace, more gifted reads, a radical lending library… With enough money to support ourselves and resource our community, who knows?!”
To find out more, including a breakdown of what the fundraised money will pay for, and, of course, to donate towards their goal of £10,000, visit Back to Books’ Crowdfunder.
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