Derry bookstore receives helping hand from Translink in move to "forever home"

Much loved Derry bookstore, Little Acorns, has been making the move to a new premises on Great James Street but not without a helping hand.

Established in 2011, Little Acorns Bookstore has an overall stock of over 40,000 books, and specialise in Irish-related subjects, authors and publishers.

Owner Jenni Doerty also has an epic collection of a unique and rare collection of around 140 typewriters.

Jenni said she needed some help moving the vast collection to their new home in Great James Street.

She estimates the collection in their old location housed around 135 typewriters, not counting the typewriters she had to store at home due to a lack of space.

Translink supplied a bus for the army of volunteers to place the typewriters on the seats and let them be transported safely to the new bookstore location.

The typewriter enthusiast said her collection has grown and grown over the years, mainly thanks to kind donations from people in the North West.

Jenni said some volunteers even had the honour of placing the very typewriter that they previously donated to the collection on the bus.

She thanked Translink for their huge help in making the event so successful and also said she is indebted to the vast amount of volunteers who showed up to help, "I still can't believe it and I am still in awe and emotional," Jenni said.

"We had the most amazing support, craic, muscle and community love and spirit- the best 'type' of folk ever.

"From friends, family, bus staff, council staff, neighbours, customers, writers, artists, journalists, musicians and children - you are and were all magic and I'll never forget.

"I want to give a massive, massive thanks to everyone- thanks to each and every gem who was there. I can't wait to have you all visit once open and chance a dance with your paws on a keyboard.

"This is definitely a memorable occasion for the storybooks- typewritten of course. Thank you."

Jenni said the bookstore has moved location six times since the store was established in 2011 and hopes the new premises will be her "forever home."

Jenni said the new store will carry more stock and she plans to open Ireland's first Typewriter Museum with her collection,

"Now I have the space to show off the collection and to host and hold readings, book launches and literary events. I also hope to employ more staff too."

Jenni said there are rewards with running her small business but sacrifices too, "Running an indie business has great rewards but also sacrifices- mentally, physically and financially-but where it takes a village to raise a child, I truly believe that it takes a community to curate, create and cultivate a bookshop.

"A sense of humour, pride and stubbornness helps too. I am just the lucky key holder entrusted to unlock and look after its magical treasures and the wonderful characters that visit.

"I spend more time in the bookshop than at home, and there’s no better industry nor city I’d rather be in."