Bookshop Day (UK & Ireland)

2026 | Mural | Bookshop Day & Books Are My Bag (UK)

Created for Bookshop Day 2026, the public mural celebrates Birmingham's local bookshops as places of discovery and connection. The project is part of Books Are My Bag, an annual campaign led by the Booksellers Association to promote bookshops across the UK and Ireland, and encourage people to support independent and local bookshops.

Celebrating the Joy of Reading
Inspired by this year’s tagline, “Whatever you’re into, there’s a bookshop for you,” the mural explores the different ways people connect with books and reading.At the centre of the artwork, the giant character reads an open book that transforms into the interior of a bookshop inspired by Birmingham’s local bookshop culture. The oversized graphic catches the attention of passers-by from a distance, while smaller characters reveal themselves as viewers get closer, reading in different postures and settings. Together, they reflect the diversity of reading habits and interests, promoting the idea that there is no single way to be a reader.

Bringing Books and Community Together
The design incorporates details inspired by local bookshops, including a travelling mini bookshop and stylised shopfronts. These familiar elements highlight the character of Birmingham’s independent bookshops and celebrate them as more than places to buy books. They are welcoming spaces to explore new interests, or spend time with family and friends.Through bold graphics and playful characters, the hand-painted mural celebrates reading as both a personal and social experience. The project also highlights the cultural value of local bookshops and their contribution to the identity of our communities, inviting everyone to rediscover the joy of reading and support the places that bring stories and people together.

Featured Artists: UUendy Lau (UU)
Creative Street Advertising Agencies: Jack Arts and BUILDHOLLYWOOD
Photo Credit: Thom Bartley & Hinz Pak
Video Production: Stu Millership

Through Bookshop Day's City Spotlight initiative, Books Are My Bag features a different city each year, commissioning artists in collaboration with creative street advertising agencies Jack Arts and BUILDHOLLYWOOD to create bespoke bookshop murals. In 2026, the spotlight turns to Birmingham and its vibrant bookshop culture.