BOOKSHOP.ORG, the ethical alternative to Amazon that supports independent bookshops, has today launched its new audiobook offer.

And for the first time, readers can buy books in all formats from indie bookshops, including Rossiter Bookshop in Ross-on-Wye.

Research by the National Literacy Trust revealed that 37.5 per cent of children and young people said listening to audiobooks 'sparked their interest' in reading.

There is also evidence that audiobooks support wellbeing, help close gender gaps in enjoyment, inspire interest in reading and widen access to stories.

The organization’s new offering of exclusive audiobook content to listeners, which will be available exclusively when buying an audiobook from their platform.

These indie exclusives include: A speech by Meta whistleblower and Careless People author Sarah Wynn-Williams; A conversation between best-selling thriller writer Adele Parks and her narrator, Kristin Atherton; An exclusive new lecture from journalist and historian Max Hastings about bravery and valour across wars and an exclusive conversation between Ellery Lloyd, thriller author of Time to Burn, and narrator Louise Brealey.

Andy Rossiter, from Rossiter Books said: “We are delighted the audiobook option has been added to the offering on Bookshop.org.

“The ‘anytime, anywhere’ nature of listening to audiobooks is really appealing and the market is growing rapidly. Having them added to Bookshop.org is a great way to get more people into more books and to give indie booksellers access to this expanding market.”

While the number of independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland has risen from 1,025 to 1,086 in the last year, reaching its highest level since 2012, bookshops are still struggling with surging operational costs.

The audiobooks initiative offers booksellers a meaningful, regular revenue stream, and a tool to advance their growth.

Readers will now be able to support their local booksellers through audiobook subscriptions, while benefiting from human recommendations and the valued community that independent bookshops are uniquely positioned to deliver.