How do you fit a bookshop into a shipping container? We speak to Leah, owner of A Very Small Bookshop to find out more...

What inspired you to open A Very Small Bookshop?

I've always wanted to open a bookshop, isn't it everyone's dream!? But I always thought it would be something I would do when I was 40 / 50 / 60 years old. Then at the end of last year I turned 30, and went through some big life changes, and wondered why I wouldn't just go for it now. I'm extremely impulsive and so as soon as that seed was planted in my mind, I knew it was going to grow really quickly. Then I found the joy that is Willway Yard, and thought it could be the perfect place to test if I'm cut out for it.

A shipping container has its challenges in terms of shelf space. How do you decide which books make the cut and which don't?

I tell all my customers this, but essentially everything in the shop is something I would read myself, or have read and would recommend. I also spend a lot of time talking to customers about their favourite reads, and then I tend to order those books in too if it feels like something I would read or would recommend. It's so lovely because the shop becomes more of an amalgamation of the community as a whole and what we all like. I also try really hard to read a variety of books and vary my genres, so there should be a little bit of something for everyone.

What kinds of books, authors, or publishers are you most excited to champion?

As a queer owned shop, we love books centering queer subject matters or characters, the female experience, bizarre stories and profound, thoughtful work. The shop is around 90% queer, diverse, female and non-binary authors. It's important to me to prioritise consuming literature from lesser known or marginalised voices. I love working with independent publishers, Dead Ink and Scribe are personal favourites at the moment.

What role do you see the bookshop playing in the local community?

Simply to be known as a safe space, especially for queer people. I have always loved meeting new people and bringing people together. I would love the shop to feel like somewhere you can come and just be - have a chat about books and see a friendly face.

What are the main challenges you face as a business?

I think the main thing for us would be footfall, we're only just off East Street in Bedminster but quite hidden behind some big buildings! So having people find us organically is the biggest challenge.

What's been the biggest surprise—good or bad—since opening the shop?

This sounds cliche, but how amazing the customers are - and how thrilled I am when they come back. I have met some completely brilliant people and I feel so lucky to be somewhere people feel they can come back to and form part of their day. I didn't realise how nice that was going to be.

What trends in publishing or reading are you excited about?

Weird, queer, and translated fiction seem to be having their moment, and long may it continue.

Tell us a little bit about the book clubs you do.

We have a fiction book club the second to last Wednesday of every month and a queer book club on the last Wednesday of every month. The book clubs take place in the gallery space behind the shop so there is plenty of space for up to 30 of us! I tend to split the club into smaller groups on the day so people feel like they have more of a chance to chat, and then I'll mix the groups up again halfway so fresh conversations can start! It's all very informal and we're all encouraged to give our thoughts whether you loved the book or hated it. I especially love when the group has different opinions on a book - it makes for much more interesting conversation - I think this influences my book choices too.

How can readers keep up to-date with events?

On instagram - @verysmallbookshopbristol
On our website - verysmallbookshop.co.uk
Or pop in and talk to us :)

Address: Container 1, Willway Street, Bedminster, Bristol BS3 4AZ

Visit: www.verysmallbookshop.co.uk

Q&A: A Very Small Bookshop, Bedminster, Bristol

June Highlights