A FAMILY-OWNED bookshop owner who wants to bring ‘accessible reading to Barnsley’ is set to host a range of special events featuring local creatives.

In honour of Independent Bookshop Week, Keith Cowans, the co-owner of The Book Vault - couldn’t be more excited to kick off a week of unique bookish events where there’s something for everyone.

From today (Saturday) for a week, The Book Vault will host events from poetry readings and an open mic afternoon - to a storytime and rhyme for youngsters.

Keith was thrilled to learn that his Market Street-based bookshop was recently named a ‘champion’ in its field for Independent Bookshop Week.

The Book Vault earned the accolade of ‘Bookshop Champion’ through an open submission process across the Booksellers’ Association membership.

One of only 20 bookshops in the country to be given the honour, Keith told the Chronicle about his passion for bringing literature to the town.

He said: “We are passionate about bringing the joys of reading to Barnsley, to people of all ages and backgrounds.

“We are delighted to be a part of Independent Bookshop Week.

“With events like our poetry reading and open mic event today, I think it’s important to draw attention to local writers and their work.

“We have been supported by some fantastic authors during our time here, like Ian McMillan and Milly Johnson.

“Our bookshop is independently owned and managed by my mum and I.

“Getting recognised as a Bookshop Champion doesn’t just bring awareness to us, but to Barnsley.

“One of the reasons we set up the bookshop in 2019, was to bring books and the opportunity to access books back to Barnsley.

“We have our customers to thank for everything we’ve been doing.

“We have our regulars who come in every week and some new customers, too.”