B for Butterfly Books to celebrate first birthday with in-store party

There's a birthday party happening on Brooklands Road this weekend – and everyone’s invited.

B for Butterfly Books will mark one year in its Brooklands shop on Saturday 28 February with a day of fizz, cakes and special offers for customers old and new.

While the independent bookshop isn’t new to Sale – many readers will remember it from its time inside Emporium M33 in the town centre – this celebration marks a full year since owner Michelle Crosby opened the doors to her larger, standalone space on Brooklands Road.

Michelle told Life in Sale, "Although B For Butterfly Books was officially established in 2020 nothing can quite prepare you for the move to your own premises! Our first year has been a real rollercoaster of emotions - mostly positive, I'm pleased to say.

"I've definitely seen an increase in customers wanting to support local independent businesses and have built a really loyal customer base in Brooklands.”

The opening, which took place on 01 March 2025, gave the business room to grow. As well as offering a carefully curated range of fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, the new shop has allowed Michelle to expand beyond retail. There's now space for author events, community gatherings and her popular book clubs, bringing local readers together in person.

The bookshop offers a handpicked selection of fiction and non-fiction for both adults and children. The shop also serves hot drinks, with a cosy seating area towards the rear, making it an inviting spot to enjoy a book with a cup of tea or coffee.

Reflecting on the milestone, Michelle continued, “Every week I see new customers who tell me they've not visited before but are really pleased to see an independent bookshop on their doorstep. It's great to see that the word is spreading and customers are not only finding us for the first time, but returning as well.

“I've really enjoyed being able to host events in the shop ranging from book clubs, author events and even a special visit from Bluey! We're really lucky to have a large pool of authors in the Manchester area and it's a great feeling to introduce customers to local talented authors and showcase their work."

The first birthday celebrations will take place on Saturday 28 February, with customers encouraged to pop in, raise a glass and help mark the occasion.

If you’ve walked past and haven't quite made it inside yet, consider this your invitation. And if you’ve been there since the Emporium M33 days, it’s the perfect excuse to return and celebrate how far this local, independent business has come.

📍 B for Butterfly Books, 8 Brooklands Road, Sale M33 3SQ