COUNCIL LEADER WELCOMES LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT IN BRIGG FOR INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP WEEK

FROM SARAH HOWE, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

This week, during Independent Bookshop Week, Cllr Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), leader of North Lincolnshire Council, visited Brigg's relatively new independent book shop - The Rabbit Hole.
It is offering events throughout the week from local authors of history, children’s books and a writer in residence.
The authors include Carole McEntee Taylor, who has published a number of fiction and non-fiction books and a brand new local author who has just returned from Cambodia to the UK after two years teaching there. Tom Keenan has written a children’s book about football which is brilliantly illustrated by the children from the school themselves.
Different activities are being offered throughout the week including reading and storytelling, singing groups for toddlers and quizzes, games and competitions for everyone.
The Rabbit Hole is open every day this week until Saturday 23 June and is offering refreshments during extended opening times   tonight (Thursday) until 7pm.
For more details, contact Nick Webb or Mel Phillips on 01652 408534, mobile 07583085876, email therabbithole.brigg@outlook.com
Nick Webb  said: "Since opening The Rabbit Hole, we have really appreciated all the positive comments and support from our customers in Brigg, the surrounding area and further afield. Our aim has always been to be a bookshop for the community in a community that cares."
One of the first visitors during Independent Bookshop Week was really impressed with the shop.
Helen, from Scunthorpe, said: I think it is absolutely brilliant, it is a superb find. My first reaction was wow, our granddaughter would have a field day and be spoilt for choice. It is really different and offers something individual. I could spend ages here; it's a real find."
In showing his support to Independent Bookshop Week and to local businesses in the town, Cllr Rob Waltham said: “It is great to see The Rabbit Hole book shop in Brigg celebrating Independent Bookshop Week.
“It is a relatively new business in Brigg, so not only will is showcase what the store has to offer, but it is a great way to get local people involved. There’s lots in store and I would encourage people to have a wander in and join in the celebrations.
“The council is keen to support local businesses and encourage people to read. We have the most successful Imagination library scheme where children get access to free books every month from birth until their fifth birthday. In the past five years we have delivered more than 380,000 free books to around 15,000 children.
“With 88 per cent of under-fives in our area registered with the Imagination Library, North Lincolnshire’s book gifting scheme is the most successful in the world.
“We continue to invest in our schools and libraries with our most recent investment at the new Scunthorpe Central, which I officially opening this week, where there is a fantastic range of books to suit all ages.
“I am pleased to be backing Independent Bookshop Week – it gives everyone the opportunity to get reading and supports local businesses.”

PICTURED: Above - Coun Waltham, centre, with Mel and Nick at the Rabbit Hole in Brigg town centre. Below - The shop, close to the landmark Buttercross.