Afrori Books Brighton: Beloved bookshop under threat of closure

Carolynn Bain, who owns Afrori Books in Kensington Street, Brighton, received news shortly before Christmas that costs would quadruple on April 1 this year. 

"It is simply not affordable," she said. 

Carolynn Bain is the owner and founder of Afrori Books (Image: Afrori Books)

The bookstore is the UK's biggest supplier of books by black authors and is also a space for the community. 

Last year it ran 48 craft mornings, hosted more than 50 authors and held regular book clubs. 

"We are more than just a bookshop," said Carolynn. "We are a safe space for Brighton's black community. 

"The door is open and anyone is welcome. We have people come in just to rest or read because it feels safe."

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Carolynn said she approached Brighton and Hove City Council for help and said she was disappointed with its response. 

"The council told us how important the shop was to the city and how they would help," she said. 

"The only help they will give us in this desperate time is the email address of an estate agent."

Afrori Books is in Kensington Street, Brighton (Image: Afrori Books)

According to Carolynn, Afrori Books will need £25,000 to find a new home. 

The landlord, Brighton-based arts charity called Lighthouse, gave Carolynn free use of the shop for the first year before she began paying a service charge to cover bills such as heating and cleaning.

But, recently the charity lost some of its own funding and in an effort to claw back funds has hiked fees for Carolynn. 

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She said: "I am still hopeful. The crowdfunder and the response from the community has been overwhelming.

"We are here because of God's grace and our customers' desire to see us here and if that changes I will bow out.

"The community is saying 'no, we don’t want you to go'."

Afrori Books is a safe space as well as a book shop (Image: Afrori Books)

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: “Afrori Books is an amazing business that offers an invaluable space and opportunities for black communities in the city.

“The current challenges for small businesses are without precedent, and we will continue to explore what practical support we can offer Afrori.

“At present, the solutions we can provide are limited. We understand how frustrating this is for Carolynn and community members. 

"We appreciate that the situation is urgent, and will continue to work on possible solutions – including with our city partners – while keeping in contact with Carolynn.

"As part of our longer-term anti-racism strategy, we are continuing to improve support for black and minority ethnic (BME) business communities and BME residents who may wish to set up or grow businesses."

• Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser can do so here: https://afroribooks.co.uk/