Maldon Books has been announced as an East of England Finalist for Independent Bookshop of the Year 2025.

The Bookseller Magazine awards aim to recognise and celebrate stores that "reach beyond the literary landscape" and "bring books to the heart of local communities."

Maldon Books, an independent family-run bookshop in the heart of Maldon High Street, is one of six regional finalists.

Maldon Books Owner, Olivia Rosenthall, said: "We're all so thrilled to be a Regional Finalist in this year's Independent Bookshop of the Year Award. 

"It's brilliant to see our shop alongside so many wonderful independent bookshops! I'm so pleased for our team, and grateful to our lovely customers and local community, whose support has meant everything to us over the years."

Tom Tivan, Managing Editor at The Bookseller added: "The last year has been a drab time for the high street, with declining footfall and rising prices, but what has been underscored by our regional and country finalists is that independent bookshops are beacons of hope amid the gloom. 

"I have been judging this award for a decade and a half and I have never seen such depth of quality and energy in the submissions, from the newcomers to most venerable stores.  

"These finalists are wonderfully unique and idiosyncratic, but there is a link in that all of them are not confined by the four walls of their shops – they are out in their communities organising festivals, visiting schools, bringing authors to town.

"Sure, they sell a lot of books but that is just the start: independent bookshops are Britain and Ireland's local cultural linchpins." 

The regional and country winners of the Independent Bookshop of the Year award will be announced on Tuesday, March 11, while the overall winner will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony on May 12, 2025.