LAMP - Leigh Alternative Media Project

LAMP (Leigh Alternative Media Project) was a community and alternative media project. The bookshop was known for its extensive collection of 10,000 titles, including children’s books, poetry, and small press publications. It also offered adult education information, self-help resources, and schools liaison services.

Lemn Sissay, a renowned poet, recalls being welcomed into LAMP at the age of fourteen by Dorothy Booker. He highlighted the importance of LAMP as his first community bookshop.

LAMP's unexpected closure, with staff unaware until they read it in the press, on February 29th 2021 was attributed to cuts from North West Arts and local authorities. In June 2021, Sissay shared his memories on X (Twitter), emphasising Dorothy’s welcoming nature and the community impact of LAMP.

The bookshop remains a cherished memory for many in Leigh.

Sources:

Radical Bookshops Listing, Radical Bookshop History Project (November 2023) [Available online here, accessed 11.06.2025]

https://x.com/lemnsissay/status/1407971681164042241 [accessed 11.06.2025]

The Radical Bookseller, No. 49, 1986-7; The Radical Bookseller, Issue 75, 1991