It’s part of the fabric of Clonakilty.

Now bestselling author Louise O’Neill has added her voice to calls for a true book lover to take over a special little book shop in her hometown.

After more than three decades, John and Trish Kerr have made the difficult decision to offer Kerr’s Bookshop for sale and to pass this much-loved business on to a new custodian.

“This feels like the right moment for the bookshop to begin its next chapter, and we hope it will continue to thrive at the heart of this town for many years to come.” the owners said in a statement on the sale.

O’Neill, who grew up in the town and whose family run the popular MJ O’Neill’s Butcher shop on Main Street, launched her new book Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? in DeBarra’s bar last night, where she was interviewed by Maeve Higgins.

 

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The novelist took to social media after the event to highlight how important the bookshop was to her as she was growing up:

“Trish opened Kerrs Bookshop in Clonakilty when I was a child. For years, I would slip in after school and sit on the floor of her shop, reading books I hadn’t paid for.” O’Neill said.

“She never once made me feel like I shouldn’t be there, only ever encouraged my love of reading. That’s the magic of independent bookshops. They don’t just sell books. They make readers.

“Trish is moving on after more than 30 years, and I hope whomever buys Kerr’s understands what places like this mean to a small town. We need independent book shops. We should protect them and support them as much as we can.”

Thanking O’Neill for the shout-out, Trish replied: “Wishing you continued success – you’ve come a long way from that little girl reading on the bookshop floor.”