Lalljee leaves The Bookery to explore new projects

After 10 years at The Bookery, c.e.o. Dee Lalljee will be leaving this autumn to pursue new projects.

Lalljee is working with The Bookery board on restructuring and recruitment and will continue her work in the bookselling industry as part of the World Book Day strategic advisory group and as a bookshop mentor on behalf of the Booksellers Association (BA), while she develops a portfolio of freelance work and pursue other book-related projects.

The Bookery is a community owned, not-for-profit social enterprise trading as an independent bookshop in Crediton, Devon. It won both Independent Bookshop of the Year and Children’s Bookseller of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2022.

Lalljee has overseen the growth of the organisation since its inception as a bookshop in rented premises in 2013, through to the purchase of its larger high street premises and expansion. “I have spent 10 extraordinary years at The Bookery and it has been a joy to work with our amazing team, developing the business, delivering high-quality events, supporting our schools and providing outreach activities,” she said.

“This year saw the completion of our building plans and the fulfilment of our 10 year growth strategy. I’m very proud of all we’ve accomplished and feel now is the right time to hand this brilliant project over to a new team to write the next chapter.”

Jackie Dawkins, The Bookery chair, said: “We have been lucky to have Dee’s leadership over the past decade, and we are grateful for her passion and commitment to developing The Bookery’s impact and reach. We wish her much success in her new ventures."

Patron and author Ann Cleeves commented: “Dee has established a brilliant bookshop at the heart of the community. I wish her every success for the future."

After 1st November, Lalljee can be contacted on deelalljee@hotmail.com.