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Harrogate bookshop named as finalist for British Book Awards

Thursday, 19 February 2026 07:39

Imagined Things Bookshop in Harrogate.

Harrogate's Imagined Things Bookshop has been named among the finalists for this year's British Book Awards.

The Montpellier Parade store is one of 76 independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland shortlisted for the awards, which celebrate the role of small booksellers beyond retail.

The shop has been named among the finalists in the Independent Bookshop of the Year category, which also features The Little Ripon Bookshop.

The award will ultimately go to just one shop in each region before an overall winner is selected later in the year.

Tom Tivnan, deputy editor of The Bookseller, said:

“The most gratifying thing about the 2026 Independent Bookshop of the Year is not just the record number of submissions, but the Grade-A quality of each and every one of them.

“We all know the current travails of the High Street in general, but indies across the UK and Ireland are meeting the difficulties with grit, innovation and community spirit.”

He added:

“What impresses is how these shops are nimbly and proactively moving into areas that tap into local needs, such as launching festivals, fundraisers, wellness groups and supporting local schools.

“All this on top of the core mission of spreading the joy of books, which indies arguably do better and with more passion than any other sector.”

The British Book Awards, known informally as the “Nibbies,” are hosted annually and judge bookshops on criteria including community engagement, events programming and contribution to local literary culture.

Winners in regional categories will be announced ahead of the final awards ceremony later this year.

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