Hamburg Bookstore Award honors three independent shops

Three independent, owner-operated bookstores in Hamburg have been awarded the 2026 Hamburg Bookstore Award. The winners, each receiving a prize of 5,000 euros, were honored during the 13th Long Night of Literature at the Literaturhaus Hamburg.

Bettina Meyer’s bookstore in Neugraben was recognized for its thoughtful assortment, strong customer loyalty, and community events. The Schanzenbuchhandlung, which operates two locations, was praised for its focus on literature, politics, and children’s books. Additionally, Frau Büchert in Eimsbüttel was honored for its evolution into a broad-ranging bookstore that serves as a key literary hub in the Grindelviertel.

Since 2014, the Hamburg Authority for Culture and Media has presented this award every two years to highlight the importance of independent booksellers in fostering a free and open society through creativity and passion.