Books@Hoddesdon was set up as a new venture in January 2005 by Stephen Poulter and Alan Jeffery (aided and abetted by their friendly four year old Border Collie, Ellie) who share an interest in and passion for good books. They believe that independent booksellers can thrive in the 21st century by providing a first class service geared to their regular customer’s requirements, and by working with their local community to provide a focus for literary and cultural events. The success of their first shop has led to them opening a new branch - Books @ Hertford - in the nearby County town in October 2007.

Stephen, who manages the Hertford shop and organizes the MEET THE AUTHOR season, grew up in St Albans where he worked in a local bookshop and the city library before getting a job in publishing. He subsequently moved into media where he became a TV drama producer and later a new media consultant. Alan, who has always had a personal love of literature and reads widely, worked in education for over 30 years where he was responsible for courses from nursery level through to adult and higher education. He concentrates on managing the Hoddesdon branch and supplying books to the local education sector, as well as developing initiatives with schools, colleges and universities in the area.

The sales staff are Wilma Mowbray, Sabina Poonwassie, Daniel Firth, Elaine Penrose, Julie Rushforth David McDonnell and Francesca Brooks. They all live locally and have been recruited because of their enthusiasm for books and their commitment to providing excellent service to all our customers, whatever their ages and reading tastes…