Winning windows
Chapter Two Community Bookshop was presented with the annual Chesham Society Shop Window Award in January 2024, for their window displays of 2023.
Chesham is fortunate in having two excellent bookshops, the other being Waterstones. Chapter Two scooped the award for its artistic window displays. Led by shop manager Sue Farnfield, and generated and crafted by a team of skillful staff and volunteers, the themed displays showcase preloved books with eye-catching theatrical flair.
The inside story
Proceeds from the store support The Hospice of St Francis. Stylish and highly individual, the eclectic interior of Chapter Two has sustainability at its core. The shop is fitted out using only pre-loved bookcases and all furniture and soft furnishing has been donated and upcycled by The Hospice of St Francis’ creative team from Returned to Glory in nearby Berkhamsted. Everything comes together in quirky focal points and colourful and inviting ‘break out areas’ – the children’s story area, a comfy sofa for reading and even a table for chess. The whole shop is decked out with carefully chosen mirrors, lamps, pictures and other stylish accessories all rejuvenated by willing hands.
Joining in
Chapter Two is firmly rooted in the Chesham community. There’s Saturday morning Storytime, as well as a programme of monthly activities, from Book Club to Open Mic Poetry and other book related events.
Its strong window presence provides an ideal platform from which to promote the events and activities of local partners, such as The Elgiva, The Waterside Academy, Chesham Library, local businesses and authors and The Chesham Museum, to name but a few.
The shop’s ever-energetic team is also closely involved in many of these local events themselves, including Hats Off Chesham, the Chesham Schools Carnival and the Chesham Fringe Festival which takes place in May.
Website for Chapter Two Bookshop
