Posted on: October 20, 2026
This November, House of Books & Friends and the gunnercooke foundation are bringing back Connection Counts. Our community campaign which celebrates the small, everyday moments where connection is built and shared at the bookshop.
We know that loneliness can affect anyone, at any stage of their life. We’ve seen first hand how simple conversations over coffee, sharing a love of books or trying something creative with others can make all the difference. Building on the success of Loneliness Awareness Week in June, Connection Counts will shine a light on the many ways people find community and belonging at House of Books & Friends.
Throughout November, we’ll be hosting a programme of free, community-led events designed to bring people together through shared interests and new experiences. From writing groups and Chatty Café brunches to creative model making workshops and opportunities to connect through poetry, there will be plenty of ways to meet someone new or simply enjoy exploring our lovely bookshop!
We’re especially looking forward to welcoming new faces, such as students settling into Manchester or those looking to discover House of Books and Friends for the first time. We’ll be working with our volunteers, regular visitors and community partners to create more opportunities for people from all ages and backgrounds to connect.
So, what makes Connection Counts different? Connection Counts is all about celebrating the wonderful community that already exists at the bookshop. Whether someone is reading in the café, illustrating a book, or studying for their PhD, meeting a client or simply stopping by for a chat. We want to share and celebrate these stories, alongside the people who make the bookshop what it is, so if you have a story, please do get in touch! We’ll be sharing these moments of connection in store and over on our Instagram (@houseofbooksandfriends and @dogoodfaster) so make sure you give us a follow!
Alongside our events, we’ll be encouraging our customers to spread a little kindness through the community. Make sure you pick up one of our compliment cards in store and pass it on to brighten someone’s day. Throughout the month, our Belonging Box will be on display for you to share what community and belonging means to you with other customers. We’ll also be highlighting initiatives such as the Sunday Letter Project and Chatty Café, which will help people build meaningful connections both locally and across the globe!
This November, we invite you to join us at House of Books & Friends, take part in one of our regular groups or connection events below, share your Connection Counts story or simply pop in and say hello!
Connection Counts 2026 – What’s On
Belonging Box (all month)
We want you to tell us what belonging means to you. Write your reflections on community and connection and put them into our Belonging Box where they will be on display for others to read throughout November.
Hinterland Festival: Death Cafe x Journal Club (Sun 8 Nov)
What happens when we make a bit more space to think and talk about death? For this special Journal Club, Hinterland will explore death and dying through a mix of reflective writing and open conversation. Free, bookable ticket. 11am – 12:30pm.
Chatty Café Letter Writing Brunch (Mon 9 Nov)
Our Chatty Café Volunteers will be around to chat and tell you more about our Chatter & Natter tables and how to get involved in the wonderful Sunday Letter Project. Pop into the shop, grab some free pastries, and find a pen pal from around the world whilst you enjoy the art of letter writing together as a group. Free drop in – no need to book. 12pm – 1pm.
Free Live Personalised Poetry with Molly Ovenden (Fri 20 Nov)
Join poet, Molly Ovenden, for a free, live personalised poem! Molly and her typewriter will be with us from 12pm – 5pm. Drop in – no need to book.
Make Something, Make Anything! Workshop (Saturday 21 Nov)
Step into the role of creator, designer and maker in this hands-on creative session. No experience needed. It’s all about giving it a go! With guidance from Adam Douglas, you’ll have the freedom to explore, create and make something real out of sustainable materials. Free, bookable ticket, 10am – 12pm.
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