Bookstore visits lift moods and well-being, survey shows, as bookstores push for tax relief and face global challenges.
Survey highlights mood improvement
A recent YouGov survey commissioned by the Booksellers Association found that nine out of ten visitors to British bookstores reported an improved mood after their visits. The survey, released on Bookshop Day, which coincided with World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2026, included responses from 1169 adults who had visited a bookstore in the six months prior.Positive effects on well-being
Among the survey respondents, 90% said the visit had a positive effect on their mood at the time, 84% mentioned improved general well-being, and 72% felt that bookstore visits or events helped them during difficult times. The survey did not establish a clinical link between bookstore visits and mental health improvements.Social initiatives in bookstores
The survey results were presented on October 7 by The Bookseller. The findings highlight the social role of bookstores beyond book sales, with initiatives such as free coffee and conversation meetings and silent book clubs aimed at reducing loneliness and fostering community engagement.Call for tax relief
The Booksellers Association has also been advocating for a 20% reduction in business rates for bookstores, similar to the reduction granted to pubs and clubs. The association argues that bookstores provide a social function and should receive similar tax benefits.Economic impact of tax changes
According to a projection by the Cebr firm, independent bookstores not benefiting from the small business exemption could face an average annual increase of £4,563 by 2029-2030. To offset this cost, a store would need to sell an additional 1,141 books per year.Public sentiment on bookstore closures
The survey also found that 91% of visitors said they would miss their usual bookstore if it closed permanently. The Booksellers Association has used these results to support its case for tax relief, emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of bookstores.New bookstore opens in Paris
In other news, a new English-language bookstore, The Lamp-Post, is set to open in Paris. Meanwhile, eight independent American bookstores have expressed concerns about the potential impact of a presidential memorandum on domestic terrorism and political violence.Global challenges for bookstores
In Argentina, bookstores are facing a 41.5% drop in turnover, prompting calls for a "national book emergency." In France, negotiations between the French Bookstore Syndicate and employees' unions are at a standstill, with the CGT, Force Ouvrière, and SUD Culture Solidaires requesting intervention from the General Directorate of Work.Recent bookstore developments
Other developments include the expansion of Aya Books to Marseille, the opening of a bookstore-café in La Rochelle specializing in English-language romance, and the acquisition of Joseph-Beth Booksellers by Barnes & Noble. In addition, the Central Social Activities Fund (CCAS) has partnered with leslibraires.fr to support independent bookstores, and Gibert Barbès is facing opposition to its closure plans.
