My name is Troy Onyango, and I am the founder of Lolwe Books, a Pan-African bookstore in Peckham that specialises in books by Black authors.

In January 2025, we had to make a difficult decision to close the physical space in Holdrons Arcade and move the bookshop online. It was necessary for our survival at the time.

Now, we are slowly rebuilding our physical space in Peckham, and I am asking for help to make it sustainable and permanent.

Running an independent bookshop is difficult, especially one focused on Black literature, translated work, small presses, and community programming. But I still believe deeply in the importance of physical literary spaces. I believe people still want places where they can gather, discover books together, attend readings and workshops, sit and talk after events, join book clubs, meet writers, and feel part of something larger than themselves.

Right now, we do not yet have a permanent space. The biggest priority is raising enough money for the rent and deposit for a new home for Lolwe Books in Peckham. After that, we hope to restock and slowly expand our collection of books.

With your support, we hope to:

• Get and furnish a new physical space in Peckham

• Expand our collection of African, Caribbean, and diasporic literature

• Host author events, workshops, readings, and conversations

• Launch a book club focused on translated literature

• Build Lolwe Social, where people can gather for cultural outings like theatre and cinema trips

Every contribution, no matter how small, genuinely helps us move closer to making this possible.

If you are unable to donate, sharing the campaign would also mean a great deal.

Thank you for believing in Lolwe Books.