A bookstore damaged by a flood will open a temporary pop-up shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme from March 1 to 8.
Drop City Books opened in Hanley in October 2023, but had to close last November after water leaked from an apartment above. The owner, Ruth Wallbank, described a complete flood, and repairs are in progress at the original store location.
Drop City Books will operate a pop-up shop in the Lancaster Buildings, from March 1 to 8. The pop-up shop is timed with special book events, including World Book Day on March 6 and International Women’s Day on March 8.
The shop will offer a variety of exciting books, custom picks, and many events. Ruth Wallbank, the owner, said she is excited to be in Newcastle and wants to add books and conversations this winter. The pop-up aims to help people find good books and make reading fun for everyone.
Charl Pearce, manager of Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, loves Ruth’s energy and passion for reading. She also wants to make books accessible, and believes bringing Drop City Books to Newcastle is fantastic. The BID helps new and current shops and brings exciting events to the high street.
Several events are scheduled at the pop-up shop, including children’s story time on March 2 at 10:30 AM. It is designed for kids aged three to six, and no booking is needed.
World Book Day story times are on March 6 at 10:30 AM and 4:15 PM, and are suitable for ages three to six; no booking is needed for these. On March 7, there is a reading circle for moms called “Bring Your Baby,” running from 10:20 AM to 11:30 AM. Tickets are through Eventbrite, and attendees get a free book.
Another reading circle is on March 7, called “Others Like Me,” for women without children. It is from 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM, with tickets via Eventbrite and a free book included. Finally, there is children’s story time on March 8, starting at 10:30 AM, aimed at children aged three to six, and no booking is needed.