The book industry is big money business, but for many independent booksellers, money is a relative concept. Sometimes a little goes a long way; sometimes a little is a lot. It doesn't take millions to inject a little more joy into the economic grind of an indie bookshop owner's mission.
On Tuesday, 21 booksellers in Ireland were named winners of the Books at One Community Prize Fund, which gives €5,000 (about $5,885) to bookshop owners who "want to create new, dynamic forms of engagement with their own local communities--beyond the traditional bookstore experience."
Books at One describes itself as "a community-focused social enterprise that supports independent bookstores in Ireland to create welcoming in-store spaces where people can gather and engage in cultural and social activities, above their love of books and reading, supporting local social connections & engagement." Supported by The One Foundation, the initiative began with a bookstore in Louisburgh, then expanded to Galway.
Halfway up the Stairs, Greystones, is one of this year's fund winners. Event coordinator Sarah Webb posted on Instagram: "Myself and [owner] Trish Hennessy... worked really hard on our funding application for the @books_at_one Community Prize Fund. We are delighted that's it's been successful! We have put together a @halfwayupthestairsbookshop Puffling Seaside Nature Trail for families to do over the summer, supported by the generous funding.... And do check out many other great community bookshop events around Ireland coming soon thanks to the funding."
Many of the winning booksellers expressed gratitude for the funding boost and shared their plans on social media, including:
Kennys Bookshop, Galway: "We are delighted to have been awarded funds from the Books at One Community Prize Fund to run a community focused project at Kennys Bookshop.... At Kennys, we will be running an event for local schoolchildren during the upcoming school year in our bookshop, whereby we will invite Irish children's authors to give readings and a talk to approximately 400 primary school children from around Galway. We will bring the children to the shop by bus, and each one will receive a free book on the day."
Woodbine Books, Kilkullen: "Amazing news this morning--we are one of the winners of the @books_at_one Community Prize Fund! This fantastic initiative will support independent bookshops to continue to provide cultural and social spaces in their local communities. We'll be using this prize to run a series of community-focused events throughout the year. A huge Thank You to @books_at_one for providing such valuable support to bookshops and communities throughout the country."
Red Books, Wexford: "BIG NEWS FOR RED BOOKS. We're absolutely delighted (and honestly a little emotional) to share that Red Books has been one of the independent bookstores awarded funding through the incredible Books at One Community Initiative. This support means the world to us, not just because it helps keep the lights on, but because it's an investment in what we truly believe in: community, creativity, and connection.... As for what we'll do with the funding? Over the coming months we'll be rolling out new initiatives that deepen our role as a community hub, from free workshops, more local events and more publishing projects to improved spaces and resources for everyone who walks through our door. For now, we just want to say thank you. We're honored, we're excited, and we're more committed than ever to building something beautiful, together."
Philip's Bookshop, Mallow: "We are over the moon to announce that we have won the Books at One Community Prize Fund!! This prize fund will give us the opportunity to host events in our store that will foster community engagement in exciting ways. We look forward to planning and implementing these new ideas for Philips Bookshop... watch this space for more updates!"
The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus: "We are so delighted to have been awarded funding from this terrific organisation--thank you so much @books_at_one. Our kids' room is already a loved space for so many young people--this funding will allow us to invest in sensory elements through the room to make it more accessible to all young people. We have big plans--we'll share as we go along--and intend to do the work in the autumn, when the kids go back to school and the room is quiet."
Tales for Tadpoles, Wicklow: "Thank you @books_at_one for this fantastic initiative! We have something very special planned to use our funding... watch this space!"
Bookworm, Thurles: "We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as winners of the Books at One Community Prize Fund!!! This award will enable us to increase our community engagement and we will be organizing some exciting events over the coming months! Sincere thanks to @books_at_one and the Foundation for this award."
Quay Books, Limerick: "We are delighted to be chosen to participate. 'Eternity is a bookstore.' That is just not a sweet phrase. We believe in it... completely. We love books, stories. We like free, open, passionate universes, and those who dare to live in them. Through a series of events over the coming months, we will implement this philosophy and make it a reality. We will host events and activities which emerge organically, with lots of room for spontaneity and creativity."
Castle Book Shop, Castlebar: "We're thrilled to share that Castle Books is one of the winners of the @books_at_one Community Prize Fund! This incredible initiative supports independent bookstores across Ireland who are passionate about creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that go beyond just selling books. A massive thank you to @books_at_one for believing in the power of bookshops to connect with communities!"