Meet the traders: The Book Stops Here

Book loving, power-lifting, dog lover Pete Burns is the next Preston Markets trader that we have the pleasure of meeting in our regular blog.

Pete has been trading on Preston's Outdoor Market for more than 30 years with his stall The Book Stops Here and is very passionate about Preston.

L.B. How long have you been trading at Preston Market and what did you do before that?

P.B. I started trading at Preston Market in August 1991- selling and part exchanging new and used books. Immediately prior to that I worked for Lancashire Area West Training and Enterprise Council as Office Services Officer. I was responsible for procurement and facilities management.

L.B. Tell us a funny story that has happened at Preston Markets?

P.B. There have been many odd requests at the stall over the years, but I think the best one was when a chap asked me as I was packing up my books, how much the old market boards were that we used as our tables. He could clearly see the boxes of books I was moving and the that the trestles and boards were the stall itself. He was serious too!

L.B. What do you like to do on your day off? 

P.B. I have many interests as I like to keep myself busy. Firstly, my dog Bruce and I go on lots of walks. I run a dog walking group which also provides owners with information. It's called 'Preston Positive About Dogs'- (PAD). Family history and genealogy really interest me too and I have been involved in researching my forebears for more than 40 years. Lastly, I am a keen powerlifter and train six days a week. I have won a few local gym competitions over the years, the last in 2019.

L.B. Name five things you can't live without...

P.B. 

A dog - I've always had a dog and love the companionship and affection they provide.
Books - as a book seller I'm also a book reader. I've loved books since childhood and always have one on the go.
The gym - I have trained all my adult life and love going to a proper weightlifting gym. 
My customers - in my three decades plus on Preston Market, I've made friends with lots of customers. They have baked for me, brought me gifts, and made me feel really appreciated as a trader.
Family - my family mean everything to me and have always fully supported and helped me in everything I do including my book stall.

L.B. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

P.B. Believe it or believe it not, a book seller! I used to run the book stall at local church and school table top sales, even at primary school.

L.B. Which is your favourite stall at Preston Market and why?

P.B. Lyn Eastham's Gift Stop. -  Lyn has made me up some lovely gift baskets for family presents. I also get my aftershave from her stall; she has a wide range of scents and gifts and will make up a gift set for you. Highly recommended.

L.B. What is your favourite memory of Preston Market?

P.B. As a teenager walking around the Market in the 70s when it was extremely busy, browsing and buying from the book and record stalls, little knowing I'd spend the lion's share of my working life there.

L.B. What is your most popular product?

P.B. Books, obviously! Trends do vary but I sell everything really, all sorts of novels. Non fiction, children's books, cookery books, Mills and Boon, even dictionaries and thesauruses!

Check out the stall

If you're a book lover and would like to buy or exchange your books then you can find Pete on Preston's Outdoor Market on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

To keep up to date with all the latest information about the stall visit Facebook - The Books Stop Here.

For details about Pete's Preston Positive About Dogs group visit Facebook - Preston Positive About Dogs (PAD)

Map address for Preston Markets

Preston Markets, Earl Street, Preston, PR1 2JA.