About - Bridge Books

“It’s such a privilege to sell books that I love. It’s the greatest job in the world.”

Well… why books?

I’ve had a passion for books since I was young and the bookshop, well this was always my dream job. I left university and a unit came up here in Dromore and I went for it.

That was back in 1995. That feels so long ago now, and my shop has evolved so much.

Lesley Loves

Why ‘Bridge’ Books?

My shop sits next to the bridge over the River Lagan in Dromore. I’m down a small street off the main town square, tucked between some shops. I think the name has rooted me here. I’m so passionate about our town and feel I’m part of the fabric of the place now.

What’s changed?

Pre Covid, I would have sold a lot more second-hand books, but since Covid I have sold a lot more new books. We have lots of lovely regulars who stop by, tourists from all over the world. authors, little people, big people (as in famous) and we’ve even had a horse!

Favourite books when you were younger

The Enid Blyton Book of Brownies had a great spine illustration.

I loved Ladybird books. Chicken Licken is one of the first books I remember owning. I had the complete set and was so proud of it. But then when I was 16 years old I found out that the ENTIRE collection was donated to a jumble sale!!! I still get anxious when I think about it. Maybe that’s why I now have a bookshop. I’m surrounded by favourite books, old and new, all the time.

Favourite books now?

The Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights are still firm favourites, but my current favourite reads are the Sweetpea series by C.J. Skuse.

Why should people buy from you?

I like to think of ourselves as a little bookshop with a big heart. That means customer service the way it used to be.

I know my customers. I know what they like. I stock a lot of fantasy, thriller, and Irish fiction and always try to support local authors.

I also get lovely signed editions of books in stock. Local authors also come in regularly to sign copies of their books. Illustrators pop by too. I also do “blind date books” where you take a punt on a mystery book.

We also have lovely bookish gifts to go with your purchase.

Though she be but little, she is fierce

My passion for books spills over into my social media where a lot of customers find me.

I’m also lucky to get lots of local authors who come and support our independent shop. Plus I also have a fantastic Book Club and we meet regularly with guest authors coming to speak to us.

Book loves

I adore all the reimagined covers of the classics. There are some stunning books with sprayed edges, embossed foil or a built-in ribbon bookmark.

They just add a layer of joy to re-reading them.

Book bugbears

Any book with the word bugbear in it!

Obviously, I hate spine breakers, page-turners and coffee near books.

I hate the clinical sterile environment of big bookshops. That may be me being jealous, but I like a bookshop with personality. I like booksellers with personality.

Why not pop in and check us out? Even better, sign up to our newsletter where you can get recommendations, reviews and bookish news from me.

“Best bookshop I’ve shopped in, happily local for our family of bookworms. Was concerned lately visits for the family were becoming frequent enough to warrant a restraining order should the wonderful owner have pursued it!”

Debbie

“This is the best little bookshop. Always welcoming and rammed from floor to ceiling. Always worth a look for a signed copy or two, of which I have snagged a few. Cannot recommend this shop enough.”

Rev

“I’ve ordered signed books a few times now online.
My books have always arrived after only a few days, carefully wrapped, and Lesley even got in touch to ask if I’d like a personal dedication when the authors were signing. A local gem of a bookshop and I’d definitely recommend.”

“A lovely little bookshop worth travelling to Dromore for. They took the time to have a conversation with me and made a great attempt to accommodate my very niche reading tastes!”

Sammi

“One of the best things about Bridge Books is the way it connects with readers around the world online as well as in the shop! A small shop with a big impact and an even bigger heart.”

Andrew West