Oxfam plans to open more bookshops

Oxfam is hoping to sell 15 million books this year

Oxfam is expanding its bookshop chain because of "unprecedented" demand for second-hand books.

The charity already has 60 dedicated book outlets, but plans to open up to 15 more over the next year.

Sales of books have doubled in the past four years, and the charity sold 12 million volumes in 2002, raising £13m for its work.

Oxfam executive Murray Winters said: "Many books on offer are no longer available from mainstream retailers."

Mr Winters, the charity's business development manager, added: "Customers appreciate the diversity of choice.

"Our specialist bookshops will be a shock to people expecting dark, dusty shops selling scruffy paperbacks.

"The shops are bright, light, and well-designed, and offer a vast array of books, including many specialist, rare, antique and unusual titles."

The stock mainly comes from public donations to shops and book bank collection bins.

Publishers also donate new and nearly new books to the stores.

Oxfam is hoping to open at least one new store each mont, with openings confirmed for St Andrews, Fife, Brigg in Lincolnshire, and Mapperley in Notthingham.