"OUR BOOKSHOPS are the lighthouses for every writerly boat on the ocean. Without them we cannot set sail. They are the little churches and heroic temples of our endeavours."
So said one of Ireland's finest contemporary writers, and the Laureate for Irish Fiction, Sebastian Barry, who will take part in a public interview with Tomás Kenny from Kenny’s Bookshop tomorrow, Friday October 23, from 7pm, as part of Irish Book Week.
Sebastian Barry is the author of a number of acclaimed novels, including On Canaan's Side, The Secret Scripture, A Long, Long Way, The Temporary Gentleman, and Days Without End.
Irish Book Week is a celebration of Irish books, authors, publishers and bookshops, which also aims to encourage people to choose Irish books, and to shop with their local bookshop, either in-person, over the phone, or online.
Lockdown has seen a rediscovery of the love of reading for many, and bookshops have a social, cultural, and economic impact. As well as generating a Gross Value Added impact of €132 million to the GDP [Jim Power, Economic Contribution of the Bookselling Sector Report, 2017], bookshops can foster creativity, and community.
To register for the event subscribe to the mailing list at Kennys.ie See also https://www.facebook.com/events/2671393913111070.
