After 17 years of serving the community, Watchet’s beloved Harbour Community Bookshop has announced it will close its doors at the end of September this year. Since opening in 2009, the volunteer-run bookshop has become a cherished local institution, operating entirely through donated books and the generosity of visitors.
Throughout its operation, the bookshop has raised an impressive £165,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, alongside awarding over £100,000 in grants to local voluntary causes. In a heartfelt statement, the team reflected on their achievements: “After much thought, we have decided this will be the final season for the bookshop. Our mission is accomplished, having raised significant funds for charity and made a lasting impact on the community.”
The bookshop team extended their gratitude to the people of Watchet and surrounding areas for their unwavering support, key to the shop’s success. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” they said.
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The news of the closure has sparked an outpouring of appreciation from locals and visitors alike. One visitor shared, “You will be greatly missed. My 91-year-old mum always visited Watchet just for this bookshop.” Others echoed similar sentiments, calling it “the best bookshop I’ve ever seen” and lamenting the loss as a cultural and charitable pillar of the town.
Beyond fundraising, the bookshop has played an important role in enhancing the town’s profile, being credited with helping to turn Watchet into a ‘must-visit’ destination. Its support for local events like flower and dog shows has also left a lasting legacy.
Harbour Community Bookshop will continue to operate as usual until the end of September, welcoming donations until the end of July. Operating hours remain Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Mondays from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.