Peakirk Books was established in 1997 and concentrated on the search and sale of second-hand books by internet and mail order only. The business was operated solely by Heather, a former primary school teacher and a college librarian, and soon became a very busy and successful operation. From early 1999, after extensive repairs and conversion of an outbuilding adjacent to the cottage, Peakirk Bookshop was opened and now offers customers the opportunity of browsing in a fully stocked bookshop. A quaint 2 storey building houses approximately 20,000 books, with the upper floor completely devoted to children's literature, flanked with memorabilia from times gone by.
With the business rapidly growing, Heather's husband Jeff officially joined the company, full time, in October 2000 and this created the perfect partnership, providing a more efficient service whilst maintaining that personal touch. Customers are welcome to telephone their enquiries/orders through and it is usually Jeff who answers. He is based mainly in the office situated in the cottage whereas Heather is more frequently to be found in the shop and handles most of the internet enquires. An additional member of staff is Debi Armitage who works here part-time. Debi is a friend and neighbour who is just as enthusiastic - and helps out with telephone, internet, office & shop duties - her skills are endless!
When things are really busy, a small band of volunteer friends and family are on standby to help when necessary! It was Heather's father who designed and made our much used 'packing table system' which enables despatch of the majority of packages in made-to-measure boxes that protect your books from the rough and tumble of the postal service. All books are sent via Royal Mail and books are despatched normally 3 times a week.
*****Stop Press UPDATE in October 2009
We have now relocated our business to a house near the North Norfolk Coast and are definitely continuing our postal & Internet book business there. Sadly we will no longer be running a physical shop, but regulars are welcome to pop and see us in our new home if out this way. However do ring first in case we are out book buying!
