Discover Hold Fast, Leeds Dock’s Beloved Floating Bookshop
Leeds Dock is known for its unique blend of history and creativity, and at its heart floats Hold Fast, a one-of-a-kind bookshop nestled aboard the historic boat, Marjorie R. Offering a peaceful retreat and a treasure trove of books, this floating bookstore has become a beloved community gem. But what inspired the creation of Hold Fast, and what makes it such a special spot on the dock? Let’s dive into the story behind this floating haven and explore its journey through a Q&A with the owners.
Q: What inspired the name “Hold Fast” and why was Leeds Dock chosen as its location?
A: Hold Fast takes its name from an old nautical tradition, where sailors would tattoo the phrase across their knuckles to remind them to keep the ship steady during stormy weather. The name symbolises resilience and stability, offering visitors a place of peace and refuge from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Leeds Dock, with its deep maritime and industrial roots, was the perfect home for Marjorie R, as the dock itself was built for boats just like her.
Q: Have there been any memorable milestones or standout moments in Hold Fast’s history?
A: We are particularly proud of being awarded Flagship of the Year 2023 by National Historic Ships. It’s been a labour of love maintaining such an old boat, and the award was a wonderful recognition of all the hard work. Another memorable moment was when a resident from the flats above us proposed to their partner onboard – a truly special occasion (no, we weren’t crying, you were!).
Q: Can you share any fascinating tales from the early days of the floating bookshop?
A: Watching Hold Fast grow has been fascinating. In the early days, we had fewer books, but we quickly expanded our collection. One thing that hasn’t changed is the joy of seeing people’s faces when they step onboard for the first time. Most visitors are surprised by how spacious the interior feels and the sheer number of books we have onboard.
Q: Why should people visit independent bookshops like Hold Fast instead of buying books online?
A: Shopping at local bookshops like Hold Fast supports the community. Beyond selling books, we create a space where people can meet, share ideas, and enjoy human interaction. You get personalised recommendations from booksellers who are passionate about what they do, and you often discover books that algorithms won’t show you. We also support school visits, run pay-it-forward walls, and host authors and poets. Buying locally keeps the community thriving, rather than funding extravagant space ventures!
Q: What’s the most unusual or unique book you’ve ever had onboard?
A: One of the quirkiest books we have is written entirely in Yorkshire dialect. It’s quite the challenge to read unless you do it aloud, and even then, it’s tricky!
Q: Do you host any special events or book clubs on the boat?
A: We’ve held a few events onboard, and coming up is a special book launch at Mill Hill Chapel in town. Author SJ Bradley will be releasing a short story collection titled Maps of Imaginary Towns on 26 September 2024 at 7pm. We’d love to see you there!
Q: How do you handle the challenges of weather while operating a floating bookshop?
A: Rainy days tend to be quieter, and we do rock a bit more when it’s windy. But it’s all part of the charm of being a floating bookshop!
Q: Are there any hidden relics from the boat’s past that still remain onboard?
A: Yes, we have a lovely photograph of Norman, the boat’s previous skipper, who used to guide Marjorie R from the pit to the power station. His family saw the boat on the news and gifted us the photo. It’s a cherished piece of her history.
Q: Can visitors bring their own books to exchange or donate?
A: We gladly accept donations, but we don’t do book exchanges.
Q: Do you have any plans to expand or change the offerings at Hold Fast in the future?
A: We’re always evolving! We’ve recently added local artwork and, thanks to our many four-legged visitors, we now offer dog treats made from craft brewery leftovers. Keep an eye out – we might be adding more plants to the roof soon!
Q: How do you source your books? Any interesting stories?
A: Most of our books are ordered from publishers, but we also receive lovely donations. We’ve even accumulated a box of unusual items found in second-hand books, from train tickets to polaroid photos and pressed flowers. One day, we might turn them into an art exhibition!
Q: Have any famous authors visited Hold Fast?
A: Yes! We’ve had visits from poet Hollie McNish, award-winning author Saba Sams, and Noah Medlock, a rising star on BookTok. We’ve also sold books for the hilarious Tim Key at The Wardrobe. Next week, we’re excited to welcome Adam Farrar, author of Cold Fish Soup, which won the Northbound Book Award.
Q: How do you create such a cosy and welcoming atmosphere onboard?
A: We owe much of the atmosphere to the boat’s beautiful design. The woodburner in the curved bow, the light pouring in through the skylight and portholes, and the snugness of the hull all contribute to the cosy feel. We’re also passionate about helping people find the perfect book, which adds to the warmth of the experience.
Q: What hopes do you have for the future of Hold Fast?
A: We’d love to open seven days a week, host more author events, and continue welcoming school visits. More time for relaxation wouldn’t go amiss either – a day off sounds lovely!
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Hold Fast is more than just a bookshop – it’s a floating sanctuary that celebrates literature, history, and community. Whether you’re looking for a good read, a peaceful escape, or a place to connect with like-minded souls, Hold Fast is ready to welcome you aboard. Drop by Leeds Dock and experience the charm of this unique bookshop for yourself!
Explore new reads with Hold Fast
Victoria Bonner shares her top summer reading recommendations:
- Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang
- Falling Animals by Sheila Armstrong
- List of Suspicious Things by Jeanie Godfrey
- A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock
- Inspector Imanishi Investigates by Seicho Matsumoto
