IT'S the family-run independent bookshop at the heart of a Hampshire community.
The Imaginarium in Lymington is the culmination of a lifelong dream for owner Robyn Parker-Hales.
Now, nine months after opening, it has been named the best bookshop in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The award, from lifestyle website Muddy Stillettos, was won by public vote and could lead to a national title.
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The shop, in Angel Courtyard, was previously a cafe and gelateria.
When that moved nextdoor, it seemed the perfect opportunity for Robyn, who was working for young people's charity No Limits, to open her longed-for business.
She is the face of the shop, which she co-owns with husband Daniel, a Research and Development Tax Consultant.
Robyn told the Daily Echo: "I've always wanted a bookshop, ever since I was a child and found that books can be a soothing presence and a fun escape. The time was right in our lives to give it a go, so we did.
"We've had some wonderful interactions and customers wanting to support an independent bookshop in their community. We had three volumes of Shakespeare's plays from the 1800's to sell and had multiple people come to the shop as fast as possible to take a look before they sold.
"We're completely blown away by the support, and are having a blast helping our customers find their next great read.
"Our aim is to build a community of readers together and keep reading fun and accessible.
"Building a new business can be tough, but we have so many wonderful customers who have helped a dream become a reality.
"When you've put your heart and soul into something and are full of passion, it's so gratifying to know that others feel the same."
The Imaginarium has hosted some brilliant events.
On Armistice Day, a retired combat medic, a retired Typhooon pilot and a war biographer talked about modern wars.
Daniel Cole and Sam Holland attended a crime writers event for Oakhaven Hospice.
On World Book Day, local schools visited for story time and the science fiction and fantasy book clubs have proved a huge hit.
Independent Bookshop Week, earlier this month, saw Southampton TikTok sensations Matthew and Ryan visit for a charity event.
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