By Rebecca Crockett
LITTLE Acorns Bookstore in Derry, owned by Greencastle native Jenni Doherty, has been longlisted for Bookshop of the Year 2024.
The beloved shop is one of twelve nominated in the category at the An Post Book Awards which celebrates and promotes Irish writing to a wide audience.
Customers could vote for their favourite bookshops and those that received the most were longlisted. They now have been invited to enter written submissions.
To establish a shortlist, mystery shoppers will visit all twelve nominations. The official shortlist will be announced on 24th October.
The winner of the award will be presented with a prize worth €15,000 on 27th October.
Owner Jenni Doherty told Donegal News it was a huge honour but said the support she has from customers beats any award:
She said: “This initial stage is a public vote and to me that means so much more. It’s an honour and a bonus if you get to the next stage because that’s among your peers and people in the industry. But for me I think gosh, to get the public vote, that just means a whole lot.
“I always say I’m lucky I’m in the Northwest because I have customers from both sides of the border in Inishowen and in Derry.”
Jenni took to Facebook to share her excitement saying: “Massive congratulations to all the stellar bookshops on the An Post Irish Book Awards #IrishBookshopoftheYear longlist this year!
“Thanks so much to everyone who voted for Little Acorns Bookstore (Derry) by public vote – you are all wee legends! Very much appreciated.”
Jenni Doherty being presented with Ulster regional Bookshop of the Year.
Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, said: “This category was introduced to recognise the important role bookshops play, not only in the books industry but in Ireland’s literary tradition and heritage.
“They are cultural spaces that really help to foster creativity and a love of reading among children and adults, and we are so proud to be able to support them in this way.
“It’s wonderful to see such deserving bookshops on the longlist and we wish them all the best of luck.”
In 2021, the shop was named Ulster Regional winner of Bookshop of the Year and received a certificate of recognition.
Beginning a small bookstall with 100 books more than 13 years ago, Little Acorns has grown to a three-story building on Great James Street in Derry with over 60,000 books.
The shortlist for all categories in the An Post Irish Book Awards 2024 will be announced on Thursday, 24th of October, while the winners will be announced on Wednesday, 27th November.
For more information on the full longlist visit booksirelandmagazine.com
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