Brilliant Bookshops: Fourbear Books
Caversham is a suburb of Reading, found north of the town centre across the River Thames. It has a beautiful library building, one of over 300 public libraries in the UK funded by the Carnegie Trust.
The building was designed by the architect, William George Hooper Lewton (1856-1914) and built in 1907. Its tower is topped by a swan weather vane and beneath the clock, which was added later, is a winged figure of Old Father Time. Inside, the librarians are friendly and welcoming, making it a perfect place for book-lovers to visit! Another book-ish highlight the town offers is Fourbears Books.
And what a lovely shop it is! The moment you enter, you are surrounded by a wonderful selection of books and cards. According to their website, the quirky name was easily chosen as children of the owner’s friends ‘have called me Fourbears for years’ and the bear theme is brilliantly carried throughout the shop with toys, pictures and sculptures of an ursine nature! It’s a lovely touch and children are sure to enjoy counting the bears to see whether there are four- or more!
A bright, welcoming space, Fourbears really has something for everyone. Table displays are carefully placed, allowing room to move around them…if you can without stopping to investigate the delights they are offering! One was devoted to a wonderful display of graphic novels which also took pride of place in the shop window. Beautiful editions of the classics, a wonderful myths and legends section and a wide selection of children’s books kept me happily browsing!
The shop is obviously at the heart of its community with a lively programme of events. They even have a board dedicated to the activities of the local Federation of Children’s Book Groups Reading branch which uses the shop as a host for its regular events. Evidence of the group’s activities was also displayed around the shop.
A must visit shop for booklovers, the people of Caversham are very lucky to have such a brilliant bookshop!
Fourbears Books
20 Prospect Street,
Caversham RG4 8JG