The new year is traditionally a good time to take stock, and bookshelves are one thing that can benefit from a reset too.

Making a donation of books not only clears clutter, it gives them the chance to inspire someone else in the year ahead. And Lions Bookstore in Wainwright’s Yard are always grateful for donations.

Generosity is at the heart of everything the shop does. All items sold — from books and jigsaws to CDs and games — are donated by the community, and the shop itself is run entirely by volunteers who give their time freely. Even the furniture and fittings reflect a commitment to reuse rather than replace.

Sometimes, a single donation can set real change in motion, as Alison Audsley, President of Kendal & District Lions, explains:

“Recently, a local shop was closing, and Lions were generously offered 10 bookcases. It was an opportunity too good to refuse — even if collecting them required effort and imagination.

“That imagination came in the form of four volunteers, all in their 60s and 70s, and a horse trailer. With determination, good humour and plenty of teamwork, the bookcases were successfully transported to their new home at Lions Bookstore,” adds Alison.

The arrival of the bookcases sparked a full reconfiguration of the shop explains Alison:

“Shelving that had long passed its sell-by date was removed, opening up the space and improving visibility throughout. Customers can now browse CDs more easily, jigsaws have been repositioned, and specialised books are displayed on dedicated tables and stands. These collections are regularly refreshed with donated stock, ensuring there is always something new to discover. So any donations from a new year stock take are very welcome.”

Sustainability is central to this approach. By extending the life of books and shop fixtures, Lions Bookstore avoids single-use solutions and reduces waste — all while continuing to raise vital funds for local good causes.

With its refreshed layout and new donations arriving all the time, drop in for a browse, discover something unexpected, and see how generosity and sustainability continue to shape the shop. Open Wednesday to Saturday.