Story corner to open in Lerwick bookshop

A new-look children’s area will be launched at the Shetland Times Bookshop on Saturday with a storytelling session with local author Jonathan Wills.

This will be followed with more sessions to be run during Lerwick Shopping Week which runs from Sunday until 2nd July. Further events will be organised to take place on a regular basis.

Developments at the shop have been possible thanks to a grant from best-selling author James Patterson.

He is committed to bringing attention to the important contributions of independent bookshops and is especially concerned with inspiring children to become lifelong readers. Any independent bookshop with a dedicated children’s book section was eligible for a grant of between £250 and £5,000.

The Shetland Times Bookshop on Commercial Street in Lerwick was one of 69 nationwide to successfully bid.

Shop manager Karen Baxter said the staff were delighted to be selected by Patterson in the autumn. The money has now been spent on making the alterations and Ms Baxter said: “We are now equipped with new story-time furnishings and excited to be about to put them to good use for the first time with a local guest author.”

Dr Wills will read from his children’s books Cheer Up, Grampa Gloomifjord! and Granny Linda and the Lighthouse at 2.30pm.