A NEW chapter has begun in the life of a bookstore which moved with the help of a human chain.
A large number of people attended the re-opening of October Books, which now occupies a former bank in Portswood Road, Southampton, after leaving its previous premises.
October Books made headlines around the world after finding a novel way to move its stock.
As reported in the Daily Echo, about 2,000 books were passed along a 150-metre chain by 243 people.
October Books raised £500,000 to buy the bank through crowdfunding, donations and a loan from Co-operative and Community Finance.
The business decided to leave its previous premises after being faced with a rent rise it was unable to afford.
Children’s author Ali Sparkes performed the opening ceremony by cutting a paper chain put up to imitate the real one which had made the move possible.
The celebrations included a cake, live drumming and a performance by the Red Stars Choir. Staff member Jaquie Daniels sang a song called Buying the Bank.
Colleague Amy Brown said: “We were inundated with people buying books and Christmas cards. It was hectic, but in a nice way.”
Named after the Russian Revolution, October Books was founded in 1977.
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