Proudly Bookish Launches in North Yorkshire, Sharing a World of Stories

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Independent bookseller founded in Stokesley champions local readers, independent authors and indie publishers

Stokesley, North Yorkshire, England | 26 October 2026

Proudly Bookish, a new independent bookseller sharing a world of stories with readers of every kind, goes live online and welcomes customers at Stokesley's Friday market. Founded by husbands Philip and Benjamin Powell-Mills, they are dedicated to serving and growing their community through storytelling and human connection.

Proudly Bookish is now open, trading through its pop-up and online shop. To mark the launch, founders Philip and Ben took to Stokesley Market on Friday 16 October, with a curated range of books and special editions. Readers were invited to stop by, meet the founders and talk about what they are reading.

Proudly Bookish’s mission is to become a central part of North Yorkshire’s book scene, championing independent voices and indie publishers through a carefully curated catalogue of titles, and a varied programme of events.

Co-founder Philip Powell-Mills said:

“I’ve been an avid reader all my life, and over time my reading habits have shifted from academic to hobby. Having studied English Literature and English Language, and worked over 10 years in the publishing industry, I feel there is a growing need to get people of all ages reading. Proudly Bookish will be a cornerstone of Stokesley and North Yorkshire, working with local partners and providing selection of titles to readers across the UK.”

Co-founder Benjamin Powell-Mills said:

“The support and excitement for Proudly Bookish from prospective customers, councillors and fellow local business owners, has been incredible! To have our belief in what we're doing so positively echoed by respected, successful people, who are themselves delivering positive progress for Stokesley and North Yorkshire, is very encouraging. Our mission is to serve and grow our community through storytelling and human connection, and it's clear from the connections we've made so far that our community is more than willing to join us on this journey.”

Proudly Bookish encourages independent authors and publishers to get in touch about stocking books and publicity opportunities.

Find out more

Website: www.proudlybookish.com

TikTok: @proudly_bookish

Instagram: @proudly_bookish

Facebook: Proudly Bookish

Media enquiries

For quotes and further information, please contact the founders directly: 

hello@proudlybookish.com

About Proudly Bookish

We are Proudly Bookish, an independent bookseller in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, and online. As Stokesley residents, we serve and grow our community through storytelling and human connection. We are more than a bookshop. We are creating partnerships to bring children regular access to books, building a dedicated programme of online and physical literary events, and cultivating a home for readers on the High Street. With over twenty years' combined experience in publishing, specialising in Operations and Marketing, plus hands-on bookselling, Philip and Ben know how to reach readers and build Proudly Bookish into a thriving independent. It starts with a question that is always on our minds: what are you reading?

Keep up to date with the Proudly Bookish progress by visiting the website www.proudlybookish.com.