Dial Lane Books Celebrating Five Years

It was an emotional few days for Andrew Marsh at the start of March when he celebrated the fifth anniversary of Dial Lane Books. He admits that he has cried ‘happy tears’ reflecting on the past five years. Andrew loves his bookshop and he is passionate about books and reading. As he said, ‘It’s never work, I just go from happy place (home) to happy place (shop)’.

Andrew has always dreamed of running a bookshop. But it hasn’t always been easy and he is very aware that not all local businesses have survived. It was certainly a blow when just three weeks after opening, the first lockdown happened and he had to close the shop. But he rose to the challenge and turned a potential disaster into one of his warmest memories, as he set about selling books from his kitchen table. He got an amazing response, and set about delivering books all over Ipswich and beyond and making strong local connections. In fact he still delivers to a few customers who have never returned to town. Support from local people has been important and it has been there from the start. He loves being part of Ipswich and has a strong sense of community, helping local businesses, charities and schools. He also supports local authors, who often come to the shop to meet customers and to sign their books. 

Andrew set up his adult book group early on, aiming to offer a wide range of interesting and challenging books that were a bit off the beaten track. He himself loves Japanese and Korean  fiction, in translation; also historical fiction. He enjoys books about characters and about the idiosyncrasies and nuances of daily life. He loves the interaction with customers and has met some amazing people. When he is on his travels the group is run by Jonesy, who has always played an important role at the shop.

Andrew has created a very inviting children’s section. He loved reading as a child and is passionate about getting kids interested in books from an early age. Having decided to sell children’s fiction he felt that he should read it himself, which he does – a lot! This enables him to chat with them about the books they have enjoyed and to offer recommendations about the next book they might select. He now has as many younger book lovers as adults. On the day we spoke he was anticipating World Book Day when groups of children would descend on the shop.

He loves having the shop full of kids and a year or so ago started a kid’s book-group which is very dear to his heart. He brings the author into the shop to meet the children. Some just sit in awe, staring at the author, but most are ready with questions. As he says, ‘You can talk to the children in a different way’.

Andrew also sends authors into schools. Some schools have started bringing the children to the shop to help to choose books, essentially stocking the school library while bringing the children into contact with books and bookshops. 

Fortunately for local readers Andrew has signed another five year lease, so we can continue to enjoy the wide range of books that he offers. Dial Lane Bookshop is well worth a visit. It is well stocked, bright and welcoming. Each time I browse I am tempted by a new and unexpected treasure and Andrew is always happy to chat and to offer suggestions. He and Jonesy can also be found selling his books at Suffolk Book League author events. 

Dymphna Crowe

Dial Lane the Brilliant Indie Bookshop by Amy Wragg