Back Alley Books

04/06/2026

The best thing about my little bookshop, isn’t the beautiful sign outside (although I love that) or all the photos and mementos of my friends on the wall (although I love them even more), it’s not even the books.

It’s you. You who’ve made the effort to find this little hidden gem down the hidden alley. You who’ve taken the time to search for a book you’d like to read. You who’ve said something lovely that’s made my day. You who’ve become regulars.

And I want to capture that, so I am putting a little book for customers to express themselves in, you can sketch, leave a comment, a poem, a profound thought. Whatever you want. And in 59 years when I’m slightly greyer and older than I am now, will take it out and remember how nice it was.

Anyways enough sentimentality, down to hard cold business. Opening times this weekend:

Friday: 11am - 4pm
Saturday: 12pm - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 2pm

30/05/2026

Yesterday we reached a huge milestone. We sold our 250th book. Which in my original (and I thought quite optimistic) ‘business plan’ was meant to be about five months in. Not two months.

Which is even more astounding when considering for a good portion of that we’ve had to be closed.

So I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your support, whether it’s been purchasing a book, or simply some kind words on our selection and ‘how cute’ the shop is, it’s been so appreciated.

It’s inspired me to draw a little doodle (horrifically, but enjoyably) for the noticeboard to celebrate.

Thanks so much once again, we are open until four today!

28/05/2026

You’re probably wondering why I’m posting a picture of another business on this page?

Well the whole point of opening the town’s smallest independent bookshop was to bring a little positivity back into the town centre.

But Back Alley Books is certainly not the only positive in the town, and I want to use this page occasionally to highlight independent businesses across our area that are fantastic and that I love.

And the first one is Calabrese. A small taste of Italy, located on Yelverton Road just a few meters from our shop. The staff are super friendly, it has a very cute interior and the food is to die for. They do these truffle and mushroom pizza slices that are gorgeous, and a steal at £3.50.

Having lived in Italy for a year it always takes me back. Couldn’t recommend it more.

Anyways the Bookshop is open this weekend again times are below, get down to this part of town for Shakespeare and a slice, you won’t regret it.

Opening times:

Friday: 11am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: 10am - 2pm

23/05/2026

GRAB YOURSELF A BOOK AND GET DOWN THE BEACH!!

It’s shaping up to be a glorious day, so pop in, get yourself a nice secondhand book and lounge about in the sun, you’ve earned it.

We’re open until 4pm today, and we are (I think) the nearest independent bookshop to Bournemouth beach, less than a ten minute walk away.

I’ve just been down there to finish off this gorgeous book about a man called Ken Smith who spent his life in the Scottish wilderness living of the land, it’s packed with beautiful messages on how to slow your life down and look after yourself.

My biggest take away was this; ‘You shouldn’t feel self-conscious about saying a few kind words to the things that grow in your garden. You shouldn’t feel self-conscious about saying kind words to anything.’

And in that vain, if you’re reading this you’re fantastic and hopefully I see you today, but if not have a lovely weekend in the sunshine 🌞

20/05/2026

Back this weekend and back with something special. Since we opened we’ve had quite a few customers enquiring about and requesting the creation of tote bags.

So I’ve had a few made up, this will be a limited run of this design. So get them while you can. Locally made by Barritt Garment Printing from recycled materials, they are a steal at £8 or £7 with any purchase.

Modelled here by the brilliant Artist Betsy. They are very stylish, and handy for all your second hand books. Get them whilst you can!

Our opening times this weekend are:

Friday: 12pm - 4pm

Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Sunday: Closed

Bank Holiday Monday: 12pm - 4pm

Looking forward to seeing you all 😇

08/05/2026

Hi everyone,

I did have a cute post prepared, celebrating the legend that is Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, with the fact we’ve got a couple of lovely books in dedicated to him, including a beautifully illustrated children’s book. And the opening times you could get your hands on them.

But unfortunately I was up most of the night with a fever again. This morning I’m feeling a bit ropey, better than last night, but don’t want to risk passing anything on or setting back recovery.

I’m very frustrated with myself and my body again, but I think I’m making a sensible decision this weekend not to open. Apologies for any inconvenience, it might be a bit stop start over the next month.

How Sir David has made it 100 years of age, as I find myself struggling to get to 32 is quite phenomenal 😆. What a human being.

Thanks for your understanding, will keep you updated for opening times next weekend.

01/05/2026

We now stock Pier Journal the artsy, independent and free magazine which celebrates everything local. It gives hot tips on what’s going on in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as well as wider Dorset.

And this quarter’s edition even includes a little bit on Bournemouth’s newest second hand bookshop!

Feel free to pick one up from tomorrow 10am.

29/04/2026

After a lovely return last weekend, we are open again from TOMORROW (yes crazy open on a Thursday?!) our opening times are below:

Thursday - 11am-4pm
Friday - 11am- 4pm
Saturday - 10am - 3pm
Sunday - Closed

As always really appreciate your custom and your support. We’ve got loads of new selections in, including this lovely copy of Shakespeare’s Hamlet; to buy or not to buy, that is the question.

26/04/2026

First weekend back in a while, and I really enjoyed it, so many lovely customers and lots of books bought, we've now sold over 200 books in three weekends since we started.

Thanks to everyone who came by and supported, really appreciated, this a selection of the books sold this weekend 😇

24/04/2026

Thanks for the kind words and for popping in!

Another day, another local second-hand bookshop! This little gem opened recently, and it may be small but there are plenty of great books to choose from. Will be back there soon!