Events at Category Is Books

The bookshop is available to use after bookshop hours for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to run workshops, book launches, yoga classes, reading groups (etc).

You can still view the full calendar here.

Events Information

• The bookshop space is available after bookshop hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7pm. We occasionally host on a Sunday evening too.

• Capacity is 25 people.

• We have 15 chairs/ stools and 5 big floor cushions. This is a mix of some chairs with backs, a bench, fold out seats and cushions. If you need extra seating feel free to bring it.

• The bookshop space is small! Events that work best tend to be intentionally low key and informal.

• Events should be kept to around 1 hour (90 minutes max).

• There is (still!) no working bathroom at the shop. The closest accessible toilets are at Rum Shack, The Bungo or Tramway.

• If books or zines are being sold at the event, then we ask that they are sold through us.

• We are taking one event booking a week at the moment. Please be aware of this when checking dates on the calendar.

• If the calendar says it is our holiday, please don’t ask to use the space that evening. Bookseller rest days are essential, not optional.

• There is a small projector and screen, and small Bluetooth speaker available to use. Let us know in advance if you need them. Please bring your own laptop attachments, the projector uses a VGA cable.

• Using the bookshop for events is run on a pay-what-you-can basis (suggested £0-16/hour to cover staff time) You can pay at the till, or you can Paypal us here.

• If you are looking to use the bookshop for an event that is not specifically by, or for the queer community, please respect that LGBTQIA+ events will always be given priority to use the space. We also prioritise open groups and events rather than private or invite-only meet ups.

• The bookshop is an alcohol-free space.

• Accessibility: The bookshop is on level access from the street. Lighting is soft and low. Sometimes music is played. The big doors can open for ventilation. For more information on accessibility in the bookshop please see our FAQs.

☀️Bookshop Holiday Dates 2024 ☀️

We are a small, family-run, qrip-owned queer bookshop, and take lots of breaks (roughly every 8-10 weeks) to make sure that we have enough energy for the shop whilst juggling chronic pain and various disabilities. Please take note of these dates if you are planning a trip from further afield!

18th March - 27th March. Reopening 28th March

20th May - 5th June. Reopen 6th June.

15th July - 24th July. Reopen 25th July.

2nd September - 18th September. Reopen 19th September.

11th November - 20th November. Reopen 21st November.

22nd December - Mid January 2025.