Currently reading: about a book a week. He reads over breakfast, in lunchtimes, and whenever his six kids are busy with other stuff!

Gareth is an ex art and wilderness teacher, who has lived in Hull, Bristol, Rugby, Birmingham, Northampton, Walsall and now, lovely Cromford. He’s been here over a year now – having dropped in the day after he lost a job in Nottingham, and accidentally chanced upon his dream job!

Gareth is our resident carpenter – a pro spoon-whittler and shelf-carer. He also writes songs and plays a ukulele made from a tin of sweets. He’s as wholesome as he sounds.

Why reading matters to Gareth: Reading really changed my life, I left school with no G.C.S.E’s and books have given me access to everything I need. They are also a great place to escape into. My kids are starting to pick up on my passion too.

Favourite place in the shop: Anywhere I might sniff out the next life-altering volume. Visually the front desk, talking excitedly about my current or next read.

When not found at Scarthin: Gareth is most likely to be found in the garden with his kids and animals, or out walking.

Gareth works Mondays and Tuesdays (and possibly alternate Sundays, masquerading as ‘Ashton’).