BOOKLOVERS IN IRELAND have been urged to vote for their favourite local bookshop in the An Post Bookshop of the Year category in this year’s awards. 

This is the fifth year the category has been in place. It aims to acknowledge the “vital role” played by independent bookshops and local branches of  bookshop chains in helping local readers find their titles of choice.

In the past four years, bookshops in Derry, Wicklow, and Galway have won the category.

Bookshop customers can submit a nomination for their personal favourite bookshop here and outline the reason behind their choice. You can also vote via QR codes on posters inside the bookshop. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win one of three €100 One4All vouchers.

Nominations close at midnight on Friday, 19 September.

The 12 bookshops that receive the most online votes will then be longlisted and invited to enter a written submission. Mystery shoppers will also visit the 12 as part of the judging process.

A shortlist of six shops will then be finalised and announced in October. The overall winner will be presented with their award on 27 November at the Convention Centre in Dublin. 

The winner will receive a trophy and a prize worth €15,000.

The chairperson of the awards, Larry Mac Hale, said the category in the awards was created to honour the role served by bookshops, describing them as “cultural and social hubs for all ages”. He encouraged everyone to vote.

Managing Director of An Post Mails and Parcels, Garrett Bridgeman, said the award recognises how booksellers are doing more than adapting – “they’re setting the pace”. 

“An Post is committed to helping booksellers continue growing their online business and Making Better Happen for their customers and communities every day,” he said.