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Belfast's oldest Christian bookshop has now been voted the best in the UK. Familybooks based at the Spires Shopping Mall has been awarded the title of the best Christian Bookshop in the United Kingdom and Ireland by the Christian Booksellers Association.
Mrs Betty Bell, Familybooks manageress was in Blackpool to pick up the award. "Naturally I'm absolutely delighted that Familybooks has won. Its a great tribute to the hard work of the staff and the commitment of our directors to be recognised in this way by those who work in our own business."
Every year publishers submit their top 10 bookshops to the Christian Bookshop Association who then draw up a short list of ten from the nominations. This is reduced to three and each shop is then visited by assessors who select the winner.
Judging criteria are based on the quality of service rather than turnover with marks being given for the helpful nature of staff, the range of titles stocked, the quality of display and the promotional activities undertaken by the shop to promote its products.
Familybooks began trading in 1862 and was established by the Presbyterian Church as its official bookshop. Through the years it has traded under various names and seven years ago its running was put under the control of a Board of Directors who give of their time and expertise voluntarily.
Under the guidance of its directors and the enthusiasm of its staff Familybooks has expanded considerably since moving into the Spires and is able to provide from stock a wide range of books for theology students, youth leaders and Sunday School teachers in addition to its large stock of some 12,000 titles for more general readers. It also has a large section devoted to music and video material and its newest line is computer software for bible reading and study.
By far Familybooks largest section is that devoted to childrens books. Just over a year ago it doubled its floor space to provide a entirely new section devoted to young readers and the space and quality of display has made this a hit with parents and children alike.
As Mrs Bell says, "We might be the oldest, but we are also the most modern." Now Familybooks can also say it's the best, at least for this year!
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