World Book Day is a great excuse to treat yourself to some new books and discover different authors. 

Bradford is the birthplace of the iconic literary trio, the Brontë sistersplaywright Andrea Dunbar, rising star Sairish Hussain and many more.

Meanwhile, new generations of poets and authors are sharing their voices with the world.

Elsewhere, the city's own independent publisher Fox & Windmill is helping more British South Asian writers in the North become authors.

In the spirit of celebrating Bradford's connection to the written word, we've put together a guide to independent bookshops near you.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Grove Bookshop, above. Picture by Heidi Marfitt.The Grove Bookshop, above. Picture by Heidi Marfitt.

The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley

The Grove Bookshop has been part of Ilkley's high street for over 40 years with shelves always stocked up with a wide range of genres.

You can find fiction, crime, children's fiction and non-fiction, politics, current affairs and the environment, as well as Yorkshire and local interest books here. 

Not only this, The Grove Bookshop is one of the regional finalists in the Independent Bookshop of the Year Awards 2022 and it hosts many literary events each year.

Daley's Bookshop

Daley's Bookshop is an independent, family run art supplier and bookshop that has been established in Bradford for several decades.

Daley’s opened for business in 1946 and had previous shops on Grove Terrace, Godwin Street and Albion Court, off Kirkgate.

Now operating online, you can order books and support Daley's via the Hive website and visit the Facebook page for more information.

Salts Mill Bookshop and Gallery, Saltaire

From detailed, colourful books on Bradford's own David Hockney to unique poetry books and tales by Yorkshire authors, there are lots to discover at Salts Mill bookshop. 

It is set in the beautiful, industrial setting of Salts Mill, where you can delve deeper into the works of Hockney and find inspiration.

Bookshop on the Square, Otley

Opening in the midst of the pandemic in September 2020, Bookshop on the Square is a great escape from the chaotic world.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bookshop on the Square, pictured.Bookshop on the Square, pictured.

Local and well-known authors carry out readings and signings at the shop - with previous names including Boff Whalley, JR Ellis and TV's Anita Rani.

It has a wide range of books, including options for children and babies.

Truman Books, Farsley

Just a short drive away from Bradford, you'll find Truman Books on Town Street.

Flick through a range of adult and children's books and tuck into coffee and cake as you go.

You can enjoy evenings and Q&A sessions with some of Yorkshire's finest writers - from crime author JM Hall to newly published children's author Angela Callard.