Monday, January 16, 2012

In Many Bookshops with Pastor Charmley: The Methodist Book Centre

For a depressed industrial city in the Midlands, Stoke on Trent is well supplied with Christian bookshops. The largest is the Methodist Book Centre (established 1945). As the name suggests, this is not a specifically Evangelical bookshop, but an ecumenical Methodist shop. It has a huge selection of books from all sorts of perspectives, so discernment is needed in shopping, but hopefully anyone who actually reads this blog realises that. There is literally something for everyone here.

Located in a quiet side-street in Hanley, at the Bethel edge of the town centre (which is a good thing). It sells books, which is becoming something for comment where Christian bookshops are concerned. It is a browser's paradise; you can spend hours here just looking around, but be sure to buy something!

The staff are helpful and willing to order books in. The shop does not just sell books, you can buy almost anything a Church might want here, from Sunday school materials to hymn-boards and communion sets. Prices are fairly reasonable, and there's even a small fair trade cafe.

But be sure to come on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, and drop in at the Bethel Bookshop, which I won't be reviewing because I happen to buy the stock for it.

3 comments:

John Charmley said...

A shame that modesty and integrity forbid you mentioning your own book shop at the church - so perhaps I can do so - a jolly good book shop which anyone who reads your blog might well want to visit.

I like your series 'in many book shops'.

Anonymous said...

One cannot help but be reminded of Chris Rosebrough's "Marty Python" skit:

"The Methodists, the Methodists, the Methodists, yes, the Methodists! There you go: Here's your book! (slam)

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful series: thank you; please keep them coming!

And as you know, your bookshop now has its own little entry in the UK Christian Bookshops Directory - may many find it and be blessed in the encounter :)

Bethel Books, Stoke-on-Trent