Leeds independent bookshop named national 'champion' ahead of Independent Bookshop Week 2026

A beloved Leeds independent bookshop is set to fly the flag for the city after being handpicked to represent the sector in a national campaign.

The Booksellers Association announced last week that Truman Books, based in Farsley, has been selected as one of just 20 ‘Bookshop Champions’ for Independent Bookshop Week 2026.

Taking place from June 13 to June 20, this year's event marks a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of the campaign celebrating the vital role independent bookshops play in their local communities.

The 20 champions - spanning the UK and Ireland - were selected through a highly competitive open submission process across the Booksellers Association membership. The final group was chosen to reflect the shared values of the sector, from encouraging reading for pleasure to building strong local partnerships and connecting with communities.

The 2026 celebrations will also take place within the wider National Year of Reading, with poet and author Matt Goodfellow enlisted to write the official campaign poem.

Emma Bradshaw, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Booksellers Association, said: “Independent Bookshop Week 2026 marks 20 years of celebrating the incredible role independent bookshops play in bringing people together, providing local hubs for the creative industries and inspiring a love of reading.

“The quality of entries made the selection incredibly challenging, and the final selection beautifully reflects the variety, creativity and value independent bookshops bring to readers of all ages. We cannot wait to see the fantastic work they do be an integral part of our celebrations.”

For Truman Books, the national recognition is the latest milestone in a journey that began during the pandemic.

Owner Amanda opened the Farsley shop in the spring of 2021, stepping away from a 20-year career in the travel industry. When 2020 put international travel on hold, she decided to take a "now or never “ opportunity to follow her long-held dream of opening an indie bookshop.

Today, the space is filled to bursting with new releases and old favourites for both adults and children, alongside a curated selection of gifts and cards.

Cementing its status as a true community hub, the shop also features a café space, encouraging visitors to get stuck into their new books over excellent coffee and a slice of homemade cake.

For more information about Independent Bookshop Week 2026, visit the official website for this year’s events, or to find out more about Truman Books, you can visit their website, which includes opening times and an online shop.