Community-focused booksellers Books at One have opened a brand new store on Meath Street.

Books at One Dublin officially opened its doors in Dublin yesterday with a launch party attended by locals and presenter Ryan Tubridy.

The not-for-profit group creates local booksellers within socially isolated or disadvantaged communities with the aim of offering free events, education, employment and volunteering opportunities tothe area. Their main goal however is to connect people through a shared love of reading. 

The opening of the new store was officiated with an appearance by Ryan Tubridy, local author Liz Gillis and a weaving workshop offered by the Liberty Weavers. 

Books at One was established in 2016 with the opening of its first store in Louisburgh Co. Mayo with a subsequent store launching in Letterfrack Co. Galway in 2020. The Meath Street property is the third in their network of local community bookshops which General Manager Joanne Hunter can offer a space for community building. 

“We are delighted to bring our newest Books at One shop to the Dublin 8 community and look forward to the shop becoming an integral part of the community in the Liberties.”

Our objective is that in the future every county in Ireland will have a Books at One, where people can use the community bookshop as a third space, away from home, school and work and connect with others through their shared passion for reading and creativity.”

Activities offered by Books at One include creative writing classes in collaboration with Fighting Words, book clubs and conversational circles. Dublin manager Alistair Aitken wants people to know the store is for all.

“I am happy to be leading this new store on Meath Street in the colourful and dynamic Liberties area of Dublin City. Whether you’re young or old, looking for Charlotte’s Web or Charlotte Bronte, our door is always open for those living in the Liberties area or from further afield.”

For more info on the new branch click here.

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