Mayo bookshop longlisted for Bookshop of the year award
An independent judging panel will now choose six shops for the shortlist, to be announced on 22nd October.
Books at One Louisburgh is proud to announce that it has been longlisted for the An Post Bookshop of the Year award at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards, which celebrate and promote Irish writing and authors to as wide a readership as possible.
The category recognises the part independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains play in their communities, helping readers to find and enjoy the books they're looking for.
Bookshops are longlisted on the strength of customer votes, with the 12 shops receiving the most nominations making the list.
This year's longlist spans the country and is as follows: Bantry Bookshop, Co. Cork; Books at One, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo; Bridge Books Dromore, Co. Down; Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, Galway; Genius Juniors, Co. Clare; Leaf and Bower, Co. Cork; O'Mahony's Booksellers, Limerick; Philip's Bookshop, Mallow, Co. Cork; Tales for Tadpoles, Bray, Co. Wicklow; The Book Centre, Waterford; The Bookshelf, Newry; and Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.
The news arrives in a milestone year for Books at One, which marked its 10th anniversary in July with a weekend of free literary and community events, including interviews with Anne Chambers and Booker-prize-winning author Paul Lynch, a crime writers' panel, a Pop-up Gaeltacht, traditional craft demonstrations, children's readings and a Family Fun Day.
Community is at the centre of the shop's work throughout the year, reflected in its ongoing partnerships with Louisburgh Area Men's Shed, Climate Action Louisburgh Locality, Louisburgh Music School and Louisburgh Community Futures.
These relationships have shaped a varied programme, spanning music and craft events to discussions about climate and the future of the area.
For a small rural town in Mayo, the longlisting carries particular significance. Books at One Louisburgh operates as a social enterprise, investing in community engagement and fostering a love of reading in an area where access to cultural events can be limited.
The shop’s recognition on a national stage reflects the strength of local support and the importance of independent bookshops as anchors of community life.
"We're honoured to be longlisted, and especially grateful to everyone in Louisburgh and beyond who voted for us," said Lisa Murphy, manager of Books at One.
"This recognition belongs to our community as much as to us. Over the past ten years, the support we've received has been unwavering, and it's a privilege to be in the company of the other bookshops on this list."
An independent judging panel will now choose six shops for the shortlist, to be announced on 22nd October. The overall winner will receive their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on 1st December, along with a €5,000 prize from An Post Commerce.
For more information about Books at One Louisburgh, please visit www.booksatone.ie or contact the shop on 098 66885 or booksatone@gmail.com.
