Malton book shop makes final in national British Book Awards

Kemps General Store & Bookshop, located on Market Place in Malton, has made the finals of the national British Book Awards 2023.

The book shop is a finalist in the North England Independent Bookshop of the Year category.

Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps Books, said: “I'm thrilled and surprised that we have been shortlisted for this award.

“As a relatively young bookshop to be recognised in this way is amazing and a credit to our brilliant team and loyal customers.

“I hope it also underlines our commitment to our community, local schools and high street.

“We hope this will help put Malton on the map for booklovers as well as food lovers.

“There are so very many great indie bookshops across the country and the regional finalists in the North are very strong so there will be some stiff competition.”

The combined bookshop and general store opened in 2017 after owner Liz Kemp left her career in the events industry and followed in her father’s footsteps to open her own general store.

The bookshop hosts many events, including Under The Covers, where you get a cultivated shopping experience after normal shopping hours, meet the author talks, a book club, craft workshops and a cooking event where customers can ‘cook the books’.

The British Book Awards 2023 Independent Bookshop of the Year Award, sponsored by book wholesaler Gardners, celebrates those stores that continue to support their local communities with bespoke bookselling and tailored initiatives.

In total there are 59 independent bookshops listed across nine different regions and countries, including ten in South-East England, nine in South-West England, eight in North England, Scotland and Wales, seven in London, four in the Midlands, three in East England

and two in the Island of Ireland.

The shops will compete to win their region first, before contending for the overall prize, which will be announced at The British Book Awards ceremony at Grosvenor House London on Monday 15th May 2023.

The overall Independent Bookshop of the Year winner will also be in the running to be crowned Book Retailer of the Year.