Retiring after thirty years in healthcare, I was faced with a ‘what next’ moment.  I could ‘relax and take it easy,’  but from my experience in hospitals and working in care of the elderly, I knew that approach might significantly shorten my retirement.  I could take up fishing, but a group of ten-year-olds have occupied the best spots on the Cardigan Bridge.  And how much fish do you want to eat?

My wife, Liz, suggested a book shop; thinking it was a good way to get me out of the house.  Many things, including the generosity of the NHS pension system, have resulted in the birth (well, at time of writing, prolonged labour) of Rookery Books.

There are several places in town (the demise of TG Jones reducing that number) to buy books, but not really a general, independent book shop, so we decided to fill that book-shaped hole with our shop.

We will provide an individually curated book selection encompassing all genres - fiction, children’s books, art, design, craft, history, politics, LGBTQ, poetry and cookery books plus a beautiful and interesting collection of kitchen and table ware.  We aim to feature local authors and provide a small but perfectly formed venue for compelling and thought-provoking talks and musical nights.  

We’re a small shop but if you can’t find that one book you want, we know you’ll find a good book you didn’t know you wanted.  And we can order things for you—it’s not ‘click and collect’ but ‘ask and you shall receive’, by the following day.

You will be welcome to browse, to sit and read your new book, or indeed one of our old ones which will be there just for that. 

Turn off the high street, just beyond the castle and come to the sign of the rook.