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Last weekend, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that I cannot wait to share with you. 66 Book Club, nestled in the heart of Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, is a book lover’s paradise like no other. This well-kept secret, discovered through my wonderful nan’s search for a book club, offers an experience that will leave you in awe. Picture this: a massive warehouse filled to the brim with brand new books, all at a jaw-dropping 70% discount. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold.
The Magnificence of 66 Book Club
As I embarked on my journey to 66 Book Club, I couldn’t help but wonder if it would live up to the hype. Located in an industrial estate beside the local recycling center, the setting seemed unusual and slightly daunting at first. However, as soon as I arrived and caught a glimpse of the enormous building, my doubts were quickly replaced with excitement. Could this entire building really be filled with books?
Upon entering the “reception” area, I was warmly greeted by the two owners, who had set up tables reminiscent of a school fair. Since it was my first visit, I needed to purchase a yearly membership for a mere £2, but one of the owners kindly suggested that I explore the warehouse first to ensure I found books that piqued my interest.
With a basket in hand, I ventured into the colossal room that stretched out before me. Rows upon rows of books awaited, and I was immediately overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. The books were not organized in any particular order, which added an element of mystery and excitement to the experience. In one row, you might find horror novels, young adult fiction, and cookbooks all jumbled together.
My Unforgettable Journey
Armed with a list of categories provided by 66 Book Club, I set out on my quest to uncover literary treasures. The selection was extensive, covering topics such as art, mind, body, spirit, coffee table books, cookery books, gardening books, sports books, and an impressive range of children’s books. Although they didn’t carry bestsellers or academic books, to my surprise, I stumbled upon the popular “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” and even snagged a book from the Millennium series.
After eagerly exploring the rows for hours downstairs, I ascended the stairs, fully expecting to have seen it all. To my amazement, I entered an even more expansive room, filled with yet more books. The lack of order only added to the adventure as I roamed through each row, hoping to uncover hidden gems. Just when I thought I had explored every nook and cranny, I stumbled upon a tucked-away mini row that I had previously missed.
With my basket filled to the brim, I decided to take a moment to assess my selections. Some books were ultimately left behind in random piles, for it would have been impossible to remember which row they came from. As I descended the stairs, I unexpectedly crossed paths with another bookstagrammer who had also embarked on this bibliophile’s dream trip. It was an exciting encounter, to say the least.
At the reception area, where only two individuals run the entire operation, I waited patiently to complete my purchase. Although there was a slight delay due to the limited staff, it was a minor inconvenience compared to the overall experience. The total cost of the books, calculated by adding up the recommended retail prices, initially sent my heart racing. However, as the 70% discount was applied, my total dropped to a mere £44. In a delightful gesture, the owner even included the annual membership for only £1.
In the end, I left 66 Book Club with 14 books in tow, 12 for myself and 2 as thoughtful gifts. Considering the incredible prices, I had managed to secure a mix of hardcover and paperback novels for an average of just £3.20 per book.
Tips for Your Visit
Before embarking on your own adventure to 66 Book Club, I’d like to share a few tips to enhance your experience:
- Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the open weekend dates, as 66 Book Club is only accessible one weekend per month.
- Instead of searching for a specific book, allow yourself to delight in the unexpected discoveries throughout the warehouse.
- Although spontaneity is welcomed, consider having a rough idea of the types of books you’re interested in. This way, you can keep an eye out for those genres while still embracing the surprises along the way.
- Cash and card payments are accepted, but please note that there might be a minimum sale price for card transactions.
- Don’t worry if you forget to bring a bag; 66 Book Club provides bags and boxes to transport your newfound literary treasures to your car.
- Take a moment to inspect each book for any damage, as some may have incurred wear and tear during their time on the shelves.
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the extraordinary 66 Book Club. I hope this article has sparked your curiosity and ignited a sense of adventure within you. Trust me, exploring this enchanting warehouse of affordable books is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. So, gather your wishlist, grab your basket, and head over to 66 Book Club for an unforgettable literary escapade!
