The owners of a new bookshop in Wantage plan to host author talks and bring a bespoke book subscription service to the town.  

Emma Milne-White, 47, has opened Wantage Bookshop at the former premises of Madhatter Bookshop in Mill Street with her husband Alex, 52.

It is a sister shop to Hungerford Bookshop, which the couple have owned for 17 years.

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“We love having a bookshop in Hungerford, but we have been doing it a long time and we fancied a new challenge,” said Mrs Milne-White.

“So, we decided to branch out.”

Once their mailing list grows, the couple plan to hold monthly literary events in the shop, similar to what they already host at the Hungerford shop.

They also hope to start a bespoke subscription service, where customers are sent a different book each month based on their literary preferences.

Mrs Milne-White said: “We want to get involved in the community.

“When we were looking for new places to open a new shop, someone said that Madhatter Bookshop was up for sale in Wantage.

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“We knew a little about the town - that there was a great literary festival, and that the surrounding area was lovely.

“Given its proximity to Hungerford, we thought it would make sense to carry on the work that the previous owner had started.

“As soon as we got interested, we saw there was a lot of support for independent business. We really liked that.”

Mrs Milne-White, who still lives in Hungerford with her husband, said the personal touch of the book shop would set it apart from others.

She said: “It’s the joy in being able to recommend books to people.

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“It’s that conversation you have with someone to find out what sort of things they like reading and what book they’re in the mood for.

“It’s that personal information you can’t get on the internet. It’s called hand selling.”

The shop, which opened last Monday (August 7), had a launch party on Saturday.

Mrs Milne-White said: “It’s quite nerve-wracking and you wonder if you have made the right-decision, but we have had so many people say what a relief it is that Wantage has retained a proper bookshop.

“People have come in and welcomed us to the town and let us know the different things happening.

“We have met some really interesting people. I can see there is a love of books in the town. It’s a relief.”

Madhatter Bookshop opened for a final time on July 8.

A statement on the shop’s website said: “Margaret and Judith would like to thank all our wonderful customers for supporting us. You made running the shop a joyful experience and we are going to miss you all.”