Cover to Cover shortlisted for Independent Bookshop of the Year award

Cover to Cover bookshop has been shortlisted as a country finalist for an Independent Bookshop of the Year award.

The bookshop on Newton Road has been shortlisted for the award by The British Book Awards, or Nibbies, for a third year in a row.

"It's a validation of our hard work during what was quite a difficult year last year, for all booksellers. It's nice to be recognised amongst your peer group, certainly," said Tim Batcup, owner of Cover to Cover.

The shop has been shortlisted in the category along with Griffin Books in Penarth, Chepstow Books, and Book-ish in Crickhowell, which won the award last year.

Overall, 48 stores have been named in the nine regional and country shortlists for the Independent Bookshop of the Year award.

The shops will now progress to a second round with regional/country winners announced on 17 March.

Cover to Cover has remained opened for book orders throughout lockdown and has been hand delivering books to customers.

"It hasn't been easy at times, the first lockdown was difficult, this lockdown's quite difficult, but we've kept going," Mr Batcup said.

"When we re-opened, people did come back quite strongly. I think indie bookstores are quite resilient and I think people are still reading and shopping locally, so I like to think that we've weathered it ok so far.

"It's nice to interact with customers, it's not so much fun when you can't do that."

Before lockdown, a large part of the shop's business included literary events such as book signings and talks.

"I'm not sure when they'll be back, but we miss those," Mr Batcup said.

"We'll see what public confidence is like in terms of shopping when we do get the nod to re-open at some point, but if last year is anything to go by, people were quite keen to come in and browse, buy, and chat."

Cover to Cover has been open for 24 years, with Mr Batcup managing the shop for the last four years.

"Indie booksellers, you know a lot of them, especially the Welsh ones. You become friends, and are in touch, you go to events and conferences and things like that," Mr Batcup continued.

"So, it would be a validation and respect amongst that peer group and the wider publishing industry. Even to be recognised at this level is great.

"To win is something else, because you're up against huge national competition."

Mr Batcup said that he hopes to be able to re-open the shop at some point and welcome in customers once more.

"We've had great support from loyal customers in Mumbles and further afield, and they've kept us going," he said.

Find out more about The British Book Awards here.