What We Do in the Community
Last week we had a look at the sort of events we proudly put on here at October Books and the benefit they have on the community. In today’s post we’re going to talk about some of the other work we do in our community and how we do so in a sustainable, forward-thinking way.
What October Books Offers the Community
Community ownership of a High Street retail space
As more and more high streets are becoming either full of chains or left to waste, it’s more important than ever for successful, independent, community owned businesses to stand their ground. Community businesses feed into the community, not drain away from it. October Books’ home in the beautiful old bank building is important for keeping this distinctive space a real part of the community.
Access to progressive and radical literature and culture
Many of the books you’ll find here you won’t have heard about from the newspapers or online. We’re proud to provide thought-provoking, radical reads and give people access to the kind of literature and culture they won’t find anywhere else.
Hire and use of a community space
Our community space can host up to 50 people and includes a kitchen, disabled access toilet, a 1-to-1 room, and an outside area, at as reasonable rates as possible to keep the space available to everyone. We even offer it at no charge to certain groups who need the space but can’t afford the rates.
Our space is host to a wide range of events every week you can learn more about here.
If you’re interested in hiring our Community Space, you can find more information here.
Help local groups run free or low-cost events and activities
The low cost of our community space makes it easy for anyone to put on an affordable event, and we also promote events as part of the space hire.
Online Events
During the pandemic we adapted to putting on online events and they were a huge success, seeing participants from all around the world! Since then we’ve realised online events are going to be a big part of our future and we’re excited to keep putting them on, making our events more accessible than ever for anyone who might not be able to travel to the store in-person.
Platform for local creatives
It’s important to us to use our platform to showcase local authors, artists, and other creators. Our in store stock of cards by local artists is hugely popular, and we also have a Gallery Space available where local artists can display and sell their work to the public.
We also frequently host book launches, author talks, book signings and more to showcase our wonderful local authors and their books which are available in store.
Safe Place
October Books is a registered Safe Place as part of the Nationwide Safe Places Network. This means vulnerable people feeling unsafe can come to us for refuge and we’ll help them feel safe again and contact anyone needed for them. It’s important October Books is a welcoming place to all members of our community, especially those who might feel unwelcome elsewhere.
Information and resources
We provide information and resources about other groups, organisations, and events in Southampton we often work with, helping people find more spaces to do what’s important to them.
Fighting loneliness in the community
We’re always friendly to everyone who comes in. Regular positive conversation and interaction is really important to people struggling with isolation and loneliness in the community, and our casual, drop-in events offer the opportunity for people to connect.
Food Bank
We’re a donation and collection point for the Food Bank and Homeless Period, with the option for people to make a donation alongside their purchases.
Volunteering opportunities
We offer the opportunity to volunteer with us to people of all ages and abilities, as well as training and support for all our volunteers to help everyone find a way to use their passion and expertise while also learning new skills and having fun.
Work placement opportunities
Under 16s can come to us for the work placements such as for the Duke of Edinburgh award or school requirements.
Role Model Organisation
As an example of a successful community business we act as role models for other local enterprises in how things can be done differently to the benefit of the Community.
How we keep Serving the Community
It’s important to us that we don’t just provide services for our community, but that we’re able to keep doing so for many years to come, to the utmost best of our ability.
Sustainable business model
Our business model is sustainable, rather than needing to rely on grant funding which isn’t always guaranteed. Our conversion to a Community Benefit Society is also a part of ensuring our future is financially secure.
Social Inclusion Training
For all our staff and volunteers involved in hosting the community space and events, we provide training in how to do so in a socially inclusive way, keeping our space welcoming and accessible to all.
Clear and Regular Marketing and Communication
We are careful to make sure our communication to our costumes, members, investors, and volunteers is clear, easy to understand, and regular, keeping everyone informed on everything they need to know.
Welcoming and Accessible Meeting Place
By keeping our Community Space affordable for those who need it, we provide a welcoming and accessible meeting place for the community to use. In a time where more and more socialising is being done online, it’s important to have physical spaces where we can come together too.
Groups who use our community space include:
A pop-up vegan waste food cafe
Local co-operative development group
Climate campaigners and activists
Health and wellbeing support groups
Housing rights campaigners and support groups
Recycling and upcycling activity organisers
A storytelling organisation which helps mental wellbeing through sharing people’s stories
Curated Selection of Books
Our carefully curated selection of books aims to make literature accessible to all the community for learning, entertainment, and inclusion.
Connecting People
We’re a community hub, making introductions and connecting like-minded people and groups within our community to foster strong ties and work together.
Progressing New Ideas
Through our recommended books, products, groups and extensive events program we help introduce people to new ideas and ways of thinking, driving progress in our community.
If you’ve benefited from the work October Books does and want to support us in our next chapter as a Community Benefit Society, you can find out more on how to do that here.
