Brighter days ahead for Gayberystwyth Books, Aberystwyth’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ bookshop

Gayberystwyth Books, Aberystwyth’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ bookshop, has closed its physical store - but owners say the story is far from over. The much‑loved queer hub, based in the town’s Market Hall, announced earlier this month that it would be shutting its doors, though plans are already underway for a bold new chapter. 

Founded two years ago, the shop quickly became a cornerstone of the local LGBTQ+ community. Co‑owners Matt and Pete nurtured the space into far more than a bookshop, hosting literary events, author talks, a bilingual book club, as well as offering free contraception, STI testing kits and a chest‑binder scheme. It also partnered with Ceredigion Period Dignity to distribute free period products, cementing its status as a vital inclusive resource. 

Announcing the closure, the pair described it as a bittersweet but necessary move. In a joint statement released on 30 January, they said they were “most proud” of the community that had formed around the shop, highlighting the many personal stories customers had shared and the importance of providing a “safe space” in the region. Their next goal, they revealed, is to transform Gayberystwyth Books into a Community Interest Company and secure funding for a larger, more sustainable venue. 

If successful, the new premises would expand not only their LGBTQ+ book selection but also their community services, with hopes to develop a dedicated social café‑style area offering drinks and refreshments. In the meantime, Gayberystwyth Books will continue trading as a pop‑up bookstall at local markets and events, including Brum’s Queer Market on 28 February and Abercon at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 14 March. Their popular Queer Lit Quarterly gatherings will also continue, with the next event scheduled for 20 February.

The closure of the Market Hall shop is not the end but rather a turning point. Even their online storefront reflects this, confirming that although the Aberystwyth shop has now shut, the team “hope to reopen in a new venue soon.”

For many, Gayberystwyth Books has been a lifeline - a beacon of queer visibility in mid‑Wales. While the shutters may have come down on the physical shop, its spirit, community commitment and literary celebration are set to grow even stronger as the team prepares for its next chapter.