Bookstore Finally Sells Book That’s Been Sitting on Its Shelves for Over 27 Years

Broadhurst Bookshop Old Book Finally Sells

Old Books (Photo: K.Narloch-Liberra via Shutterstock) 

Once upon a time, a lonely little book sat on a shelf in Broadhurst's Bookshop, a store in the seaside town of Southport, England. Finally, after nearly three decades, this old book found a new home—and unexpected fame on Twitter.

Described as a children's biography on William the Conqueror, the obscure book was acquired by Broadhurst's Bookshop 27 years ago. Joanne Ball, a part-time employee at the store, shared the book's heartwarming tale on Twitter, and the rest is history.

“I have just sold a book that we have had in stock since May 1991,” she said. “We always knew its day would come.” In response to this wholesome Tweet, other users shared similar stories, including a bibliophile who bought a book that had “apparently been there for AGES” to another shop who sold a book about moths after a decade.

So who was the bookworm behind the sale? Unfortunately, it remains a mystery. “I wish I knew more about the customer,” the shop shared. “I bet he has no idea what his purchase started!”

Anonymous or not, he and his book are bound to live happily ever after.

Joanne Ball, a part-time employee at Broadhurst's Bookshop, shared some good news on Twitter: an old book had finally been purchased after sitting on the shelf for nearly three decades.

So, what was the book?

The now-viral Tweet prompted others to chime in with similar tales:

Broadhurst's Bookshop: Website | Twitter
h/t: [Mashable]

Related Articles:

30+ Awesome Artworks You Won’t Believe Were Once Dusty Old Books on a Shelf

15+ of the Coolest Bookstores to Visit Around the World

Japanese Craftsman Masterfully Restores Old Book into Like-New Condition

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content