Chesterfield market trader giving away thousands of books for free

Ed Fordham has acquired a large quantity of books from a charity whose shops have closed amid the pandemic.

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He is now giving thousands of them away for free to help put a smile on people’s faces in these difficult times.

Ed, who trades from his Brockwell Books of Chesterfield stall on the flea market, said: “These books are largely novels and paperbacks by leading bestselling authors.

“There’s also a large number of non-fiction hardbacks as well as autobiographies of leading celebrities and personalities.

“To the best of our knowledge they have no damage at all.

“All the books have been stored and cleaned to make them Covid-19 compliant and safe, and there is no handling of the stock for three days prior to people getting them.

“We are giving these books away by the bagful – anyone can have a bag of books under this scheme.

“Any resident of Chesterfield or regular shopper in Chesterfield market can claim a bag of seven books – hardback or paperback, fiction or non-fiction.

“All you need to do is let us know and arrange which pickup or delivery works best for you.”

Two thousand of the books were given away way last week – and there are still plenty more.

Ed added: “It’s been a pleasure to hand out these books to so many people.

“The response from residents wanting a bag of books for an elderly neighbour or relative has been truly heartwarming.”

Ed also urged people to use the market when it fully reopens after the second national lockdown.

He said: “Chesterfield has one of the largest, best and finest open air markets in the country.

“I’m sure it’s not what it used to be but it is what it is – those of us who stand there day after day, week after week do it because we love it.

“Use the market and it will thrive – don’t and we will all lose out.

“When the market fully reopens in December we hope to see you there.”

For more information and to get your hands on some of the books, contact Ed via the Brockwell Books of Chesterfield Facebook page – www.facebook.com/groups/brockwellbooks.

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