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With a nationwide book revival well under way, there's no better time than now for Newry City to get its first independent general bookshop in many years.
Anthony Reavey and his daughter Niamh from Whitecross decided just a few short weeks ago to open a bookshop and this Friday, 10 October 'The Bookshelf' will open its doors to the public at 2 Monaghan Street. It has been a long time since you could browse through the books at McGuigans bookshop in Mill Street!
Anthony who has worked in financial services for many years explains how it came about "I was away on holidays, and I went in to a beautiful bookshop in Geneva and when I came home I was talking to my daughter and I said, I'd love to own a bookshop like that. And she says to me, right let's do it, Let's lock it in, and literally within two hours we had found premises down Monaghan Street. When we went to get a look at them, by accident we happened to see that this one was also for rent. The very next day, I went out to view it with the landlord, shook her hand and did the deal. So within less than two days of the idea popping into our heads we had the premises. That was only five weeks ago."
Once they decided they were going to do it, the race was on to be open for the Christmas season and they have been working day and night to decorate and stock the shop for the official opening this Friday.
Location wise The Bookshelf is in one of the most prominent locations in the city. Anthony said "I think this is the best location I could have possibly got. There's no other shop in this town that I can think of that would have suited better. You've got the best coffee shop in Newry next door and the bookshop and the coffee shop will complement each other. Monaghan Street is a busy street at all times."
Anthony adds "There's not that many shops left that people can go in for a wee browse, spend a bit of time and sit down and have a look at what's there. Bookshops are making a comeback. People are making an attempt to get away from their phone and get back to looking at books.
"When people come in they can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere. People can come in, take their coat off, they can sit down, and relax. A few chairs sitting about and if they want to lift a few books off the shelf and flick through them, they can do that at their leisure. And if they buy them, great, or if they put them back on the shelf, that's okay too"
There'll be lots of local interest books and with plenty of young families about there will be a large selection for children. "We can't do absolutely everything but if we haven't got what a person is looking for, we can get it ordered 48 hours guaranteed. If you're shopping online, you will you already know what the name of the book is before you order it whereas, if you come in here, you might come in for something in particular, but then something else may catch your eye - it's just bringing back old fashioned browsing." said Anthony.
He added "I didn't realise that there's so many local authors around Newry that have written books. So many people have been messaging me asking will you take our book in your shop? And I message them all back, saying, yes, absolutely, we'll do a wee event here for you, if you like. We're also planning on doing evening events, book signing events, poetry nights, music nights etc"
Anthony can't quite believe how popular the idea of a new bookshop in Newry has been. "I put up that Facebook post last Thursday, less than a week ago and the messages have just been unbelievable. Everybody seems to be excited "
The Bookshelf is opening this Friday 10 October at 12 noon and all are most welcome. There'll be an official tape cutting with decorations from Balloons and Arch Deco, Mayobridge.
If you buy a book this Friday or Saturday, just bring your receipt into Grounded next door for a free coffee.
Opening Hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday with late night opening on Fridays to 8pm.
On Saturday at 12/1pm there will be kids story time from Erin Reavey. At 3pm the Ulster Championship Whitecross Scor musicians will play music for an hour. There will also be treats and competitions on the day as well as face painting.
Check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com
