Events

  • Beginners Book Binding

    All materials and tools provided just bring your creativity

    £60

    Suitable for complete beginners, all materials and tools are provided. 

    Learn how to make handcrafted notebooks from the expert Aimee at Woodle Books. 

    Monday 23rd June 11-1pm

    Read more and book directly at the link below.

  • Author Talk With Grace Flahive

    Join us for a chat between Bookseller Erin and author Grace Flahive to discuss her Debut Novel: Palm Meridian.

    Sunday July 6th at 6PM

    “A long-lost love. And end-of-life party.

    One last chance to change everything... A rollicking, big-hearted story of love, friendship and a life well-lived, set at a retirement resort for queer women in 2067, Florida, on the last day of resident Hannah Cardin's life.”

    Praised by authors we love here at the bookshop such as Nicola Dinan, Laura Kay, and Jess Kidd, Palm Meridian was written as an joyful antidote to the dark news cycles we are in - the discussion around this book looks to be funny and Queer (like our little shop!)

    Tickets:
    As usual our standard ticket price is £5, which acts as a deposit towards any books bought on the night (which you’ll get for 10% off!)

  • Free Storytimes

    Readings of both new and classic picture books presented by our booksellers. No reservation is required—simply arrive and conveniently place your buggy at the entrance or in our craft room.

    An adult must accompany children, and there is no charge for participation. Refreshments will be provided for all attendees to enjoy.

    Also, watch out for our special interactive storytime sessions with guest storytellers or authors. These events usually require tickets, so subscribing to our newsletter is recommended to stay updated.

    June Storytimes:

    Thursdays
    11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

  • 101 Papercutting Workshop

    Papercutting Workshop: 2-Hour Introductory Class

    Discover the calming craft of papercutting. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced crafter, explore a new skill and create a beautiful piece to take home.

    What to Expect

    Basics & Techniques: Learn foundational papercutting methods with guided practice sheets.

    Hands-On Practice: Receive step-by-step instruction as you craft your final design.

    All-Inclusive: All materials and refreshments are provided—just bring your creativity!

    Price: £20 per person (2-hour session)

    Meet Your Host, Jay

    Jay was introduced to papercutting in early childhood in China and has honed this art form professionally for over 8 years.

    Mondays (Fortnightly)
    12:30–2:30 PM

    Friday (Fortnightly)
    6:30–8:30 PM

    Saturday (Monthly)
    1:00–3:00 PM

    Book Your Spot

    Spaces are limited to maintain a hands-on experience. Secure your seat by booking below (or email/DM us with any questions). We can’t wait to share this timeless craft with you!

  • Publishing 101

    Join publishing professional hunter for a presentation covering all the aspects of making your book a reality, with tangible tips and personalised advice.

    Topics will include:
    How do I know when I’ve finished writing?
    A step-by-step guide to publication
    Self-publishing vs traditional publishing
    Preparing your work for submission
    DIY vs hiring professionals
    Comparative research - what is my USP?

    20th Mar, 6.30pm
    £12 Per person

    Refreshments available.
    All attendees will receive a hand-out guide including further resources
    The shop will be open for browsing with extra discounts on curated creative writing books and guides
    Group discounts available

  • Beginner Quiltmaking

    The Stitchest presents.. Beginners quilt making!

    We are very happy to be hosting @_the_stitchist_ 's fantastic course in March. To reserve your spot please get in contact with Alison.

    Each session is only £10 or £35 for all sessions, treat yourself or another to a crafty couple hours 🧶

    The course will run in our cosy space at @thefolkestonebookshop and as always hot drinks and refreshments are all available free of charge in our community reading room. As with all our events and workshops, on the day you can expect 10% off books in-store, just let our bookseller know you are booked onto the session.

    Looking forward to seeing you there!

    Bookings via thestitchistsews@gmail.com

  • Silent Book Club

    Join us for silent book club every other Wednesday, 12:30PM-2:30PM.

    Bring your own book, read companionable alongside others at your own pace.

    All types of reading welcome, physical, audiobooks, E-books.

    Meetup attendees are encouraged to reman quiet during the quiet reading hour, but there will likely be ambient noise from the space around us so feel free to bring headphones/earplugs if you prefer.

    12:30PM - 1PM: Settle in, make yourself a tea or coffee, and grab a snack.
    1PM-2PM: Silent reading hour
    2PM-2:30PM: Chat or keep reading!

  • Sunday Writing Hangout

    You might not have heard, but every Sunday @kirstynbrook hosts a friendly and laidback writing group from 10AM to 12PM!

    There is no pressure to share what you've written, and you can work on literally anything! Even your shopping list.

    Tea and coffee is available as usual for free and you can leave us a donation at the counter if you feel like it.

    We look forward to seeing some new faces! (All your old faces are lovely too.)

  • Publishing Consultancy

    📣 CALLING ALL WRITERS! 📣
    📚Let’s get you published!📚

    If you are looking to go down the traditional publishing route but are feeling stuck, then book me in for a one-on-one consultation.

    I offer an approach to publishing that is realistic and holistic - let’s find a way to publication that is right for you, so your best work is presented to the world and you can achieve your writing goals.
    More details and information at grindandbearing.bigcartel.com

    Steps:
    Consultation
    A thorough review and edit of your submission packet with optional manuscript extract edit
    A collaborative analysis of the edits

    You will come away with:
    Ready to send query letters
    A comparative research guide
    A prospective list of contacts
    A personalised roadmap to publication.

Regular Events

  • Illustration Study Club

    Come along to draw whimsical woodland creatures with a bunch of lovely illustration folks - no experience necessary, supplies provided (paper, pens, pencils, paints) and a mini-zine guide available!

    Hosted by @jen_the_illustrator

    Next session TBC

  • Silent Bookclub

    We are the Folkestone chapter of the Silent Book Club. Our function is simple; to gather together to silently read.

    There are no expectations or pressure, our group is a welcoming space and there for that bit of escapism we all need in our everyday lives.

    Next meet up TBC

  • Nervous Drawing

    This two-hour session will introduce you to the nervous drawing technique using colour pencils and watercolours. It is a relaxed way of exploring your creative energies and breaking the fear of making marks on paper.

    Next workshops TBC

  • Arts and Crafts

    Our arts & crafts room is open most days and free to use! We have colouring books, paper and colouring in materials. There are also lots of books to cut up and reuse. This room is open to kids and adults.

    Please get in touch if you are planning a visit to the room, we sometimes need it for organising our books! You can also click the link below to check when it’s privately booked, or if you would like to book it yourself!

  • Reading Room

    Our reading room is open most days with tea, soft drinks and filter coffee available for free or for a donation if you are able.

    There are a range of books available to sit in and read that have been donated by individuals and groups such as the Siobhan Dowd trust and Whitechapel Gallery.

    There are also plenty of zines and magazines on a range of topics.

    The reading room is also available for private hire, please check out the link below to learn more.

We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, however, many of our events are hosted by external parties.To ensure our ethos is upheld by the hosts, we welcome feedback from participants and attendees. You can submit feedback via the form below; your responses are totally anonymous.