Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bootle, a true community gem flourishes, radiating wonder, togetherness, and the life-changing magic of stories. Kingsley & Co stands as a magical children's bookshop and literacy hub, offering an enchanting array of £1 books, free events, a quirky café, and a delightful Victorian sweet shop. This unique destination has become so beloved that parents travel from miles around to share its joys with their children.
A Portal to Adventure on Stanley Road
Located on Stanley Road, Kingsley & Co serves as a gateway to adventures that transport young minds far beyond their everyday surroundings. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, this extraordinary space attracts families from across Merseyside and beyond. Visitors come to discover new books for just £1, enjoy a bite to eat and barista-quality coffee, or participate in the magical free events that blend fun with education seamlessly.
Steampunk Wonder and Charitable Heart
Conceived and operated by the local charity Ykids, the shop masterfully blends a Victorian steampunk explorer theme with interactive wonder. Imagine secret doors, moving bookcases, a nostalgic Victorian sweet shop, and a cosy café atmosphere that encourages exploration. Named after the intrepid Victorian explorer Mary Kingsley, the space wholeheartedly celebrates curiosity and discovery, mirroring the adventurous spirit found in the books that line its shelves.
Making Reading Accessible for All
One of the most cherished aspects of Kingsley & Co is its collection of excellent quality second-hand books, each sold for just £1. This initiative makes reading genuinely accessible for families, particularly vital in an area of the UK where many face economic hardship. Alongside these affordable treasures, the shop also stocks new books from local authors and award-winning patrons, ensuring a diverse range of stories for every young reader.
More Than a Café: A Community Hub
Adjacent to the bookshop lies a welcoming café where parents and carers can relax with barista-quality coffee, fresh cakes, and both sweet and savoury treats, while children immerse themselves in literary worlds. The café transcends being merely a refreshment spot; it functions as a vital social hub where families connect, unwind, and build shared experiences centred around the joy of reading.
A Calendar Full of Imaginative Events
Whether you're seeking storytelling sessions, creative workshops, or themed family activities, Kingsley & Co typically has something exciting scheduled most weeks. Each event provides children with opportunities to explore books in new and engaging ways, often at no cost or very low cost, ensuring they remain inclusive and firmly community-centred. The venue also proudly hosts Bootle Bards, a poetry club held on the third Tuesday of every month and run by award-winning author Ali Harwood.
Dedicated Spaces for Learning and Play
The space thoughtfully offers dedicated areas designed to inspire:
- Storytime & Interactive Workshops: Creative sessions meticulously crafted to spark imagination and enhance literacy skills.
- Discovery Rooms & Treasure Hunts: Playful environments that ingeniously combine learning with fun, encouraging exploration.
Supporting a Community in Need
Kingsley & Co is operated by Ykids, a local charity with a profound mission to support children and families in Bootle and the wider Merseyside region. For over two decades, Ykids has delivered essential services including youth clubs, mentoring, family support, and community events, all aimed at helping children build confidence, resilience, and aspirations for the future.
Bootle itself confronts significant challenges, including high rates of child poverty, lower literacy levels, and limited access to cultural resources. Within this landscape, Kingsley & Co stands as both a creative oasis and a practical support centre, offering fun, learning, and connection in equal, invaluable measure.
A Place of Boundless Possibility
In a community where opportunities can often feel limited, Kingsley & Co represents so much more than just a shop—it is a vibrant place of possibility. Parents, carers, and children journey from all over to browse books, attend events, enjoy coffee and treats, and simply be part of a joyful, imaginative space designed especially for them. It is a haven that masterfully blends fun with education, one captivating story at a time.
