October Books

Independent co-operative bookshop

If you would like to ask us a question, or order a book, please email us at [email protected] Anything you can't find?

October Books is an independent community bookshop based in Southampton. It's a not-for-profit co-operative, which means that the money we make goes back into the business! On our shelves you can find books ranging from the latest novels by well-known authors, classics, children's books and audio books, to a specialized selection of non-fiction books on social and political issues. Try our fast-ordering service! And that's not all! We also sell lovely hand-made greeting cards, organic/fair-trade food and drinks, household items and much more...

19/09/2026

In September, we want to celebrate diversity through East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month. In the shop, we have a display of authors from Southeast Asian heritage.

Online, we're sharing a personal essay on being Southeast Asian, where our volunteer Ronnie shares their feelings on the frequently asked question: “Where are you really from?”

As a Chinese person with Burmese and Taiwanese heritage, Ronnie explores identity, migration, and queerness through books, balancing personal experiences with inspiration from Vietnamese, Korean, and other Southeast Asian authors.

Full article 👉 https://octoberbooks.org/blogs/news/where-are-you-really-from-a-personal-essay-on-being-south-east-asian

18/09/2026

A while back, we did a reel mocking Amazon and how we love your support when you come to the store 😛 but we know home delivery is a great option, and you can do that ❗️

1️⃣ Buying ethically isn't just an ideal; it's action✊️
Buying from https://uk.bookshop.org/ is an easy, convenient way to get your books and support independent bookshops!

2️⃣ Support us 🫶
Choose October Books before you buy👉 https://uk.bookshop.org/pages/bookstores
We earn 30% of the cover price (or nearly all profit)
Otherwise, 10% of your order's cover price goes to an earnings pool, shared monthly among participating independent bookshops.

3️⃣ Home delivery 🚚
All in-stock items arrive in 2-3 days

17/09/2026

🎒 Back to school 📚️ back to books 🚌
Getting ready to start school next week like or already hanging in? We have a non-overwhelming book recs list from our team to help you escape the hassle and bustle at the end of the day.

🌹 Sylvas is recommending a timeless romance, Pride and Prejudice. There are many Jane Austen trails in Southampton, and the city has definitely inspired her stories. Sylvas says they like this particular classic tale because the characters 'hate each other in a fun way'.

👨‍❤️‍👨 Sara thinks back to school is time for reading Heartstopper by . Sara expressed that the friendship and acceptance in the story are 'a version of sixth form that I wish had been in and hope that my children get to experience'.

🔬 Mary is supporting women in STEM by recommending In Stormy Weather by . A story about what happens when meteorologists chase storms during hurricane season in Florida. Mary said, "I learnt stuff reading it", in this rival-turned-lover story.

✒️ Jojo recommends Babel not just for the dark academia vibes, but says that it is an educational novel that discusses language, linguistics, and culture.

🌳 Catalina can't put down the new illustrated version of the classic The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. This version is illustrated by Moomin illustrator/author . Catalina finds the uplifting story and newly drawn pictures a lovely match!

🟠 What are you reading this back-to-school month?

11/09/2026

📚 September edition 🤝 Bring Your Own Book Club!
Join us for our one-year anniversary book club session on Saturday, 26th of September at 11am!!! Expect some surprises for our anniversary, including a raffle!!

This friendly, informal group is open to anyone aged 18+.

Just bring along a book you're reading or that you’ve read, one you loved, hated, or are still thinking about and be ready to chat about it over a slice of cake. Don't worry if you don't have the physical book to bring; we'll hand you a piece of paper to write the title in!

Each session will run for around an hour and a half and is all about sharing stories, discovering new reads, and connecting with others who love books in all their forms.

No pressure, no set reading list, just good conversations 💬
Come along and bring your book!

✒️ Details:
🕰️ Date/time: 26th September, 11:00am - 1:00pm
🎟️ Tickets: £2 raffle, this month only https://octoberbooks.lemonbooking.com/events/167/details

10/09/2026

💭 Dream of working in a bookshop?
🖐️ Volunteer with us and find out what it's like to sell books, curate the bookshelf, set up events or help promote the shop!

We are a community bookshop that sells books, groceries, refills, and hosts events!
Start here👉️ https://octoberbooks.org/pages/volunteering

05/09/2026

Theme of the month 🏫 Back to School
Summer's over, and the weather seems to have caught on🌦️ We are finally not being sunburnt every day, and it is time to get those books out on display again!

During this back-to-school month, we will be sharing with you something relaxing to ease the anxiety, something practical to make life easier and something educational to juice up that brain 🧠

September is also East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month, Deaf Awareness Month and International Translation Day! We will continue to share books that reflect our values of 'Everyone is welcome' 🤲

🌟 Window display made together with our lovely volunteer, Sarah 🫶

03/09/2026

🪩 Let's get the party started!
This Saturday, come join us for some welcome drinks🍸️, a lil' tour 👣 and an auction of October's stuff 🔨

💗 We would love to see all of you to thank you for your continuous support 💪

🟠 The O SO Funded Party details 🥳 Goodie bag, lucky dip and free tickets still on sale!
⏰ 5th September 2026, Saturday, 3pm til 5:30 pm
🎟️ Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-o-so-funded-party-tickets-1996978599749

Address

189 Portswood Road
Southampton
SO172FN

Telephone

+442380581030

Website

http://www.octoberbooks.org/

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