News Archive

Borders Books: making their mark with local literature?

April 2007 brings the opening of a new branch of Borders Books, located within the former David Morgan department store in the heart of Cardiff City Centre. Their wide literary selection and community involvement will provide further access to books in the city in addition to the brand’s commitment to and promotion of Welsh literature in Wales.

Children’s literature will be bilingually plentiful on the shelves in the Cardiff store. Promised in particular is a section devoted to Welsh language fact and fiction: translations, also specifically Welsh language books will be stocked. In addition, Borders will hold a new market of Welsh school books, aimed at children from English speaking families attending Welsh schools. Educational and enjoyable, Borders, like Academi, will promote Welsh writing to the young reader.

However, this is a wide category to accommodate. ‘Welsh writing’ holds within its roots two languages, varied genres and a wide geographical space. The vibrant words of many authors grow in abundance from within. They speak a diversity of current issues, extending their philosophies and views onto the bilingual page. Will contemporary Cardiffian voices, old and new have the chance to stand out within this ‘expanding list of Welsh titles’?

Although the literary locals will sit next to those from other Welsh lands, the dedicated events room will provide further communications across the page. Readers can locate their favourite authors in person as well as on the shelf. Through poetry readings, book signings and other innovative events, the creative words and whispers of local bards will echo therein. When in Cardiff, listen out.