29/05/2026
THE DIARY OF OUR FRENCH TRAINEE LOUISE! Thank you so much for your input and lovely presence!
As part of my studies in France, I spent a week as an intern at the Tallinn English Bookshop. I first discovered the bookshop during my semester abroad in Tallinn, and returning there felt a little like coming back to a familiar chapter.
- Coming back to Tallinn and stepping into the bookshop again, this time as an intern, was a very special moment. Seeing the shop from behind the shelves gave me a completely different perspective.
- While working at the till, one comment especially stayed with me: “It’s a great selection of books.” Sometimes the simplest words say the most, and hearing that felt quietly rewarding.
- New books are always exciting to discover, but second-hand books hold a special charm. So many interesting authors appear in those boxes, and unexpected titles caught my eye. Pricing them was not always easy, but it taught me a lot about books and different editions. Tons of books are waiting for another life.
- The Daughter of Time drew everyone’s attention for an evening. During the bookclub, I listened to people debating passionately and learned that “truth is the daughter of time.”
- Spending time in the bookshop also taught me that there are many ways to highlight a book: a small handwritten note, a personal recommendation, or simply the perfect place on a shelf. Sometimes that is enough to make someone stop and open a book.
- I also visited the TYPA Centre, with whom the bookshop collaborates. It was a fascinating and enriching experience where I learned more about printing, paper art, and traditional techniques. A little souvenir from TYPA Centre: my own piece of recycled paper and a small postcard printed with an old machine, a lovely reminder of the visit.
During my internship I learned that working with people who truly care about what they do makes the experience more meaningful. It is probably one of the reasons why the Tallinn English Bookshop holds such a wonderful selection of books.
Thank you so much for everything!
