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Chapter Two

Your community

bookshop

Chapter Two

Find us on Chesham High Street, near the clock tower!

Chapter Two is a community bookshop selling pre-loved books, gifts, vinyl and stationery with all profits going to The Hospice of St Francis.

Our Book Subscription Service!

Our Book Subscription Service!

A wonderful gift for any book lover. Give us a few details and we will do the rest! Choose from 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions - these 'Books for Good' will be supporting our local hospice care!

Find out more

returned-to-glory

Events for October 2025

Every Saturday - Storytime 10.30 am. Led by a different reader each week.

Thursday 1st October - Diversity Book Club
This month's book: 'All Fours' by Miranda July
All welcome from 5.30 pm

Wednesday October 22nd: Chiltern Compass in Conversation: Live well, love well, leave well.
This is the first in a series of interviews with authors and experts about death and dying matters. 
Dr Lyn Jenkins will be in conversation with author Valerie Jack and celebrant Elspeth Thomson about living and dying well without a religious faith.
At 7 p.m. Tickets: £10 available in store
 or at www.eventbrite.com

Friday October 31st: Halloween Book Launch: 'Tender' by Lauren du Plessis. Chesham first time novelist Lauren du Plessis will be talking about and reading from her first novel ‘Tender’, a horror novel which combines folklore and body horror, an ideal Halloween read. Tickets: £10 available in store or at ww.eventbrite.com

Events take place at Chapter Two and are FREE unless otherwise stated.
Donations welcome with all profits going to the Hospice of St Francis. 
For more information on any of our events please ask a member of staff who will be happy to help

Christmas

Shop For Good this Christmas

Shop For Good really does have the best Christmas gifts for everyone on your list!

Chapter Two: A Literary Haven at the Heart of Chesham

Nestled along Chesham’s Broadway, Chapter Two is far more than just a place to buy books – it’s a thriving community space, cultural hub and a testament to the power of literature to bring people together.

Managed by a passionate team headed up by Rachel Dean (Shop Manager) and Mark Jackson-Hancock (Bookshop Manager), Chapter Two has earned its reputation as a ‘destination shop’ with visitors coming from far and wide, drawn by the shop’s warm atmosphere and diverse offerings.

Deeply embedded in the local community, the shop is renowned for its rich calendar of events (eight more still to go in 2025). Chapter Two has showcased local authors - Dr. Nighat Arif - resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and ITV's This Morning is scheduled to be a second-time guest early in 2026, and musicians; held interfaith community discussions and even welcomed Santa.

Poetry and chess also have a special place here, with regular events celebrating both. The shop’s commitment to inclusivity and education is evident in its hugely popular Saturday story-time sessions, encouraging children to read and making literature more accessible for all.

The shop’s events, fundraising efforts, and inclusive atmosphere make it a cornerstone of Chesham’s cultural life. Chapter Two continues to evolve while staying true to its mission: Celebrating books, fostering community and supporting The Hospice.

A few of the five star reviews from Google

Fantastic bookshop, serving a great cause but unlike many jumble-sale style charity shops it creates a wonderful cosy space, with themed sections, and well thought out initiatives beyond the books.

I was given Books for Good for a whole year - and what a truly wonderful present it has been. Mark made the most imaginative choices and introduced me to a range of authors I had never read.

A very welcome addition to the Chesham High Street. They organise events like poetry evenings and book launches to support local authors. It is no exaggeration to say this is Britain's Best Bookshop.

It is an absolutely unique and quirky bookshop, and all proceeds go to charity. Imagination has been put into the design of this shop and I loved it! Not just books but gifts and interesting items.

Great shop with very attentive and knowledgeable staff. Great ideas for gifts and good quality presents. Definitely one of the best bookshops I’ve been to.

Amazing atmosphere for a charity shop. Makes me wish the Chesham library has as cosy a vibe. Best selection of books in town.

Location

10 High St, Chesham, HP5 1EP

Tel: 01494 791260

Email: chaptertwo@stfrancis.org.uk

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 4.30pm

Saturday: 9.30am to 5.00pm

Sunday: 10.00am to 4.00pm

Want to get in touch? Drop us an email on chaptertwo@stfrancis.org.uk or 
message us on social media!

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Blog: The Next Chapter...

Meet Mark Jackson-Hancock, our Bookshop Manager

Alongside guest blogs, he'll be sharing his thoughts about reading and all things book-related in this new blog: The Next Chapter...!

Mark has worked in bookshops all his life including Ottakar's, Waterstones, the House of Commons bookshop and the Chorleywood Bookshop. He spent five years operating a library service to ships at sea and recently worked for the Book Trade Charity in Kings Langley managing their book sales.

Mark-Jackson-Hancock
Diversity Book Club

Blog

Diversity Book Club

Read more
Reading and Wellbeing: Ben Batten’s ‘A Bussa of Blessings’

Blog

Reading and Wellbeing: Ben Batten’s ‘A Bussa of Blessings’

Read more
Why Read Orwell?

Blog

Why Read Orwell?

Read more
Charlottes Blog

Blog

Childhood Reading!

Read more

Click to find out about our workshops

New Autumn/Winter programme of workshops now available to book

Learn more

Click to find out about our gift shop

Designer gift shop, number twenty

Learn more

Download the 'My Charity Shop App'

  • Easier donations with your Gift Aid Donorcard

  • Track your environmental impact

  • Updates and sale info from our shops!

  • Stay up to date with your local hospice

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