Newcastle gets its first radical bookshop in 40 years

A new radical bookshop has opened in Newcastle, the first in the city for 40 years.

Books From Below opened its doors on 27 September. Newcastle has a long and proud history of resistance, solidarity and political struggle, but has had no radical bookshop since the 1980s.

The shop is dedicated to radical politics, grassroots movements and voices too often pushed to the margins. Its shelves will cover anti-capitalism, class, race, feminism, queer and trans issues, disability and environmentalism, alongside carefully designed goods and gifts.

Books From Below said: “We believe that books can change people and people can change the world. But access to ideas, theory, and history shouldn’t be limited to academic libraries or those who can afford expensive journal subscriptions. It should be in the streets, for everyone.”

The aim is to do more than sell books. A spokesperson said: “We want to build an inclusive hub for discussion, organising, education, learning and mutual support. Somewhere to host talks, reading groups, screenings, zine fairs, workshops and everything in between. A space that is accessible to all and rooted in both local community and international solidarity.”

The shop’s Crowdfunder campaign has raised nearly £14,000 so far. It has a solid business plan but no rich backers. And capitalist investors were never likely to fund a bookshop built around radical political education.

Alongside the thriving People’s Bookshop in Durham, Books From Below is a welcome addition to the north-east’s radical culture. It doesn’t shy away from radical politics; it embraces them. Everyone at Left Field wishes it every success.

Books From Below can be found at Unit 3, Rear of, 37 Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4HZ. They are also on Facebook here.