A new chapter for fantasy literature lovers begins this November as the UK welcomes its first-ever bricks-and-mortar bookshop dedicated entirely to the fantasy genre. Paper and Word is set to open its doors in the heart of Bebington Village on the Wirral, marking a significant milestone for specialist bookselling.
From Online Success to a Magical High Street Presence
Founded by Abby Munro, Paper and Word has been a thriving online business for seven years, amassing a loyal social media following of approximately 40,000. After a highly successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over £25,000, Munro is transforming her passion project into a full-scale creative enterprise. The shop will officially open to the public at 10am on Saturday, November 15.
Munro's background is in digital design, having worked as a project manager for a Liverpool agency. Her move from architectural visualisation to curating a physical sanctuary for fantasy readers represents the culmination of a long-held dream. She stated that after finding huge success online selling products that enhance the reading experience, opening a bookshop was the natural next step.
Stepping Into a High Fae's Library
The bookshop is housed in a uniquely appropriate 100-year-old building, shaped like an open book, which was formerly a well-known local florist. After extensive renovation, the interior has been transformed into a magical, celestial space designed to feel like stepping into a personal library from a fantasy novel.
Visitors will be greeted by:
- Floor-to-ceiling plum bookcases with rolling ladders
- A gold-flecked ceiling and large glass star chandeliers
- Cosy wingback chairs for comfortable browsing
The shop will offer a carefully curated range of fantasy books for all ages, spanning all sub-genres. The selection will feature everything from classic authors like Tolkien to modern bestsellers like Sarah J. Maas, as well as works from independent authors and small presses.
Joining a Thriving Community of 'Nerdvana'
Bebington Village, affectionately nicknamed "Nerdvana" by locals, is the perfect home for this new venture. The location is steeped in literary history, situated next to a churchyard featuring the lamppost said to have inspired C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
The area is already a hub for independent businesses catering to niche interests, with Kraken Comics and Bulwark Games nearby. Paper and Word will further enrich this community with a programme of events including author signings, book clubs, midnight releases, and reading lock-ins.
In addition to books, the shop will stock Paper and Word's own award-winning bookish products, which are designed to romanticise the reading experience. The product line includes:
- Handmade book sleeves and reading journals
- Luxury chocolates and locally made mugs
- Book-themed candles
This exciting opening places Paper and Word at the forefront of a growing movement of specialist genre bookshops in the UK, joining establishments like The Imaginarium in Lymington, and solidifying the Wirral's reputation as a destination for literary enthusiasts.
