Yes on Saturday 7 March we will celebrate our second anniversary of opening. We can’t pretend it hasn’t been hard work but it has also been an absolute joy. We are especially pleased that the book sales and events, and all the community and arts events have grown - so much so that we have now established all of that as a Community Interest Company - watch the space for launch and more info! To celebrate there is 10% off ALL books from World Book Day (Thursday 5th) till Sunday 8th
World Book Day
Thursday 5 March
Make sure you bring your voucher in and exchange it for a book!
A great range of WBD books this year
It’s St Patrick’s Day….
So we’re celebrating all month
With St Patrick’s Day on 17 March, this is the month to treat yourself to a fine Irish Stout, straight from farm where poet Seamus Heaney was born and raised, or some amazing Black Irish Butter. In store, in addition to our winter warming Baileys Hot Chocolate we’re adding Irish Coffee to the menu for the month - our fantastic freshly brewed coffee combined with Jamesons Irish Whisky.
Irish Black Butter - ‘what’s that?’ I hear you say - click here
Stout & more from the Heaney farm in Ireland
An evening with the wonderful Ashen Keys
Friday 27 March 7.30pm
We are delighted to welcome The Ashen Keys back to Chapters Unplugged. Back in late 2025 Rachel and Vicky did our very first event, as a twosome while Hannah was off having a baby. Now they are returning with their complete multi instrumental package!
A multi instrumental, multi voiced celebration of heartfelt storytelling from Kent, the group brings together three musicians - Hannah Ellerby (vocals, violin, oboe, ukulele), Rachel Lowrie (vocals, guitar, ukulele, clarinet), and Vicky Price (vocals, French horn, accordion) Their sound tells of influences from folk, blues, pop, classical and even early music. Expect to be taken on a journey through dark folk tales, bittersweet love stories and reveries on nature, all with exquisite vocal harmonies and unique instrumentation.
Their first summer as a band included performances at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Rochester Cathedral, Black Deer Festival, and at Shrewsbury Folk Festival as one of the winners of the 2023 Launchpad competition.
In 2024 they recorded and released their debut album The Name on your Compass. Since then they have continued to headline folk clubs and play folk festivals across the south of England.
In 2026 they are starting recording of their second album.
Tickets are £12, with some available at £6 (no reason required) and the opportunity to buy a support ticket at £18.
Save the Date - Canterbury Kids Lit Fest 2026
*launch event @ Chapters 17 April, 7.00pm
Main festival dates: Friday 10th - Sunday 12th July (full week of school events to take place Mon 6th - Fri 10th
This was such as amazing festival last year and we are looking forward to an even better programme of events this year! With many familiar faces back. Make sure you are following Canterbury Kids Lit Fest online and watch this space for the full programme of events being released soon.This is a Hold The Date announcement so you don’t miss out.
Note if you have a child, or know of a child, at a local school, make sure their school has signed up for the free events.
For full info click on image above
March Book of the Month
Nobody Told Me: Poetry & Parenthood by Hollie McNish
Fascinating and honest' Mumsnet
'Like talking to a friend' Observer
There were many things that Hollie McNish didn't know before she was pregnant. How her family and friends would react; that Mr Whippy would be off the menu; how quickly ice can melt on a stomach. These were on top of the many other things she didn't know about babies: how to stand while holding one; how to do a poetry gig with your baby as an audience member; how drum'n'bass can make a great lullaby. And that's before you even start on toddlers.
But Hollie learned. And she's still learning, slowly.
Nobody Told Me is a collection of poems and stories; Hollie's thoughts on raising a child in modern Britain, of trying to become a parent in modern Britain, of sex, commercialism, feeding, gender and of finding secret places to scream once in a while.
Did you know? We have an online Bookstore!
Check it out here: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/chaptersofsturry
There are literally thousands of books available to order but we have also highlighted a number of books we recommend, including Maurice’s favourite books of 2025 - check them out here.
March & April 2026 - What’s On…
March
Knit & Natter
1 & 15 March 10.30am Free but must book directly at [email protected]
Quiet Writing Group with Rosie Johnston
11 March, 6.30-9pm. Free. Welcoming quiet space for writing - all welcome
Canterbury Bookshop Crawl.
13 March 1 - 4pm Book via bookshopcrawl.co.uk
Chapters Classic Book Club.
18 March 7.30pm. Jane Eyre. Free but booking required - in store or via messenger
Canterbury Silent Book Club.
25 March, 6.30pm. Free. Bring your own book, for a quiet read followed by optional chat.
Chapters Unplugged - The Ashen Keys
27 March 7.30pm £12 Book instore or at Wegottickets.com
April
Knit & Natter
4 & 18 April 10.30am Free but must book directly at [email protected]
Quiet Writing Group with Rosie Johnston
8 April, 6.30-9pm. Free. Welcoming quiet space for writing - all welcome
Chapters Book Club.
16 & 20 April 7.30pm.
My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. £5. Book instore.
Canterbury Silent Book Club.
22 April, 6.30 - 9.00pm. Free. Bring your own book, for a quiet read followed by optional chat.
CHAPTERS OPENING HOURS
Mon: Closed | Tue: 8.00-3.00 | Wed: 8.00-3.00 | Thurs: 8.00-3.00 | Fri: 8.00-3.00 | Sat: 9.00-4.00 | Sun: 9.00-4.00 |