It’s lovely to welcome aboard Sarah Meadham from The Book Shop, Bridport, on to the BridLit train.

Bridport is a pretty bookish little town – and we love our independent book shop in South Street.

Sarah took it over earlier this year and, amazingly, has created more space for customers to browse around without banging into books or other literature lovers.

She has great displays of the BridLit books in the shop and in the window. She will be bringing supplies of books to the festival for author signings.

Sarah took over The Book Shop earlier this year after leaving Sussex and the book shop she had founded 13 years before.

She said: ‘I feel very lucky to have moved into a shop that has such strong links with the community and to have been so instantly, warmly, welcomed.

‘I am looking forward to my first year working alongside Bridport Literary Festival with such a varied line-up of speakers.’

At the heart of Bridport’s artistic and literary community on South Street for over 45 years, The Book Shop is committed to books, reading and great customer service. Each book is carefully chosen to reflect and enrich the wider community of West Dorset, as well as to entertain and enjoy.

The Book Shop has a broad selection for both adults and children.  The shop’s knowledgeable staff are on hand to assist with any selections but they’re also happy to leave you alone to browse.  If you don’t find what you are looking for, or if serendipity fails to strike, they can order most books in for you within 24 hours.

Picture shows Sarah (second right) with, from left, Kitson and Trotman partners Pauline Ellis Richard King, BridLit director Tanya Bruce-Lockhart, partner Tracy Scammell, and K&T partner Jason Hodnett.  Law firm Kitson & Trotman are once again the festival’s main sponsors.