Haywards Heath children’s bookshop goes virtual during coronavirus pandemic

As part of our #supportlocal campaign, this week we are shining the light on a small children’s bookshop in Haywards Heath.
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Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more.

But like many other businesses, its owner, Amanda Saunders, has had to make changes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Amanda, 41, said: “It’s been a time of having to be flexible and having to make some changes. During the first lockdown I was selling lots of books to parents homeschooling their children.

Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170645001Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170645001
Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170645001

“On my daily exercise I would take the dog for a walk and a bag full of books and would deliver them to parents. It was lovely to be able to help them keep their children busy.”

Amanda started the business seven years ago. She was previously a social worker for 15 years.

As part of her business, she works with schools, attends school book fairs, Christmas markets and sponsored reading events.

But due to Covid-19, Amanda’s Books has had to go virtual.

Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170634001Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170634001
Amanda’s Books sells books from aged birth to young adults, fiction and nonfiction, puzzles, sticker books, activity books and more. SUS-201130-170634001
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“I have converted our spare room into a bookshop and have been running virtual book fairs on Zoom,” said Amanda, a mum-of-two.

“Up until Lockdown 2, I had opened it up so people could come over and browse the books.

“I’ve noticed this year more than ever that it is nice to browse and look at things – like they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

She said shopping local and supporting local businesses in the community was really important.

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“I always prefer to buy from somewhere local if I can,” added Amanda.

“It has been lovely to see the community pull together – there’s a real sense of community spirit at the moment.”

Amanda has added her business to a website set up by Mid Sussex District Council as part of its #bringingchristmashome campaign to celebrate our communities and local businesses.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic that the council is running a campaign to support local businesses. I think the high street needs all the support it can get.

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“And it’s been amazing to see a directory of local businesses in on./e place so you know where to go.”

Amanda has more than 400 titles in stock and can order the full range of over 3,000 Usborne titles.

To find out more, visit www.amandasbooks.co.uk.

Or follow Amanda’s Books on Twitter and Instagram under the handle @amanda_s_books.

You can also find out more on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amandasbooksuk and join Amanda’s customer group at www.facebook.com/groups/1715101578759093.