Waterstones, one of Petersfield’s most cherished, loved and appreciated stores within the town. But, for many and for most, it isn’t just a store - it’s a place to connect with those who share similar interests - whether that's to do with the books, genres and even series - to discuss subjects you feel passionately about, and most importantly, learn.

Unfortunately - this safe haven for many book lovers is being shut down to open up a bar, despite the obvious fact that Petersfield certainly isn’t lacking in them. In addition to this upsetting fact, this closure will affect more people than you think: Students, children, adults, elders and teachers. For many students (both secondary and primary) this is a vital lifeline to buy our first books, textbooks and resources to enrich our education and just to enjoy in general. Personally, as a year 11 student and due to being the first to sit their GCSEs after multiple years, because of Covid, this shop has been a lifesaver for me - allowing me to access what was basically a different world of words and wonders. Teaching me all I could ever hope to know and hit the grades I need with just a few textbooks. This bookshop is one of the reasons I am able to get into a good college, and it is the reason why for many others I know.

Secondly, many people that I know in Petersfield use this book shop to browse a wide selection of new books and read - it doesn't have to just be studying, sometimes it's just to buy their latest series and to discuss their interests with the community around. Personally, I have met many of my close friends within the walls of this welcoming bookstore and it has served as common ground for many of our relationships to blossom. Petersfield Waterstones also has a wide range of books and choices with many genres, this including two massive young adult and children’s sections - which helps young people get back into books, as well as being the place that many children buy their first ever book. We think it’s a waste to destroy such a cherished place, which is important for so many people in our community.

But, maybe just my voice isn't enough, how about you listen to others as well? Many of the community also have things to say: 

“Since Waterstones is one of the only book stores in the town that offers a welcoming environment and a quiet place for people to appreciate many different genres of books, it would do no justice to reduce it to the other generic army of serving shops across Petersfield. There are far too many as it is, and two drinks shops practically next to each other is overkill. Removing the part of Petersfield I’ve loved since I moved here as a child for yet another common coffee shop with no real defining feature takes away from Petersfield’s uniqueness and makes it unappealing to the youth.” - Jemma , 16.

“A source of knowledge, and encourages the enrichment of young children and aspiring readers.” - Daisy, 16.

“During quarantine I, like many people, picked up reading, because there was nothing else to do. Going to Waterstones meant that I could fuel this hobby, which in turn supported my mental health during what was a really terrible, tough time.” - Katherine, 15.

“It's the only bookshop in the area with such a wide variety of books.” - Emma, 16.

"In the age with falling literacy figures, when we want to encourage young people to go into a shop and discover text, that ignites their passion and sparks their imagination, why are we losing a book shop for the sake of another pub?" - Janie, 53.