Hubb16 Bookshop in New Ross Celebrates An Post Bookshop of the Year Nomination
Bronwynne Malone, the dynamic manager of Hubb16, a charming bookshop nestled in New Ross, Wexford, is celebrating the shop’s recent long-listing for the esteemed An Post Bookshop of the Year award. Since its opening in 2021, Hubb16 has established itself as not just a store but a vital community hub that champions both literature and local engagement.
From Lockdown to Literature
Bronwynne’s journey into the world of bookselling began during the COVID-19 pandemic. After returning to college for a master’s degree in human rights and criminal justice, she found herself completing her dissertation when an opportunity emerged: Hubb16 was set to open and was looking for staff. “I’ve always loved books—I could always be found in the library or a bookshop,” she shared. “It was an amazing opportunity, and I was delighted when I got the job. I love it.”
A Community-Centric Approach
Hubb16 proudly offers a diverse selection of new titles, with a special focus on local interest books. “We do our best to support people from the town and locality,” Bronwynne explained. The bookshop aims to cater to a broad audience and even includes a selection of homeware to enhance their offerings.
The arrival of Hubb16 was particularly timely; with the previous establishment that stocked new titles having closed, the community was eager for a place to return to for browsing physical books. “People were tired of looking at screens and had missed being able to browse in a bookshop,” Bronwynne noted, highlighting how important the tactile experience of books is, especially for younger readers. The bookshop has successfully fostered an environment where children can explore literature, ranging from cloth baby books to young adult novels.
Sustained Growth and Local Engagement
Business at Hubb16 has been thriving due to robust support from the local community. “It has been brilliant; we have had so much local support, which just keeps growing,” Bronwynne stated. The shop also attracts tourists, many of whom visit the historical Dunbrody Famine Ship or participate in events linked with the Kennedy family.
The Kennedy Summer School, a notable annual event, has further enhanced the bookshop’s profile. In collaboration with the event, Bronwynne organizes book signings and stocks books by featured speakers. Additionally, the recent filming of Small Things Like These, an adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novel set in New Ross, has brought considerable buzz to the town, with many crew members visiting the shop during production.
A Passion for Customer Engagement
What Bronwynne enjoys most about her role is the interaction with customers. “Everyone has their own story, and you’re talking to them, getting to know about their life,” she shared. Helping customers find the right book for pivotal moments in their lives makes her work particularly rewarding.
However, not everything is smooth sailing. The major challenge faced is finding sufficient space on the shelves for new titles. “I love doing the orders and getting new titles in, but the toughest bit is making room for them,” she confessed.
Reading Trends and Customer Favorites
When it comes to popular titles, local literature shines. Bronwynne noted that Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These continues to sell well, as customers often purchase copies to send overseas as a connection to their hometown. Donal Ryan’s works are also favored among readers.
In the children’s section, Milly McCarthy and the Christmas Calamity by Cork author Leona Forde is a top seller. Bronwynne highlighted some of her personal favorites as well—books that make a profound impact.
Three Essential Reads:
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Asking For It by Louise O’Neill: “She addresses real issues in Irish society in a way that gets you thinking.”
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: “This is about hope and resilience when things look bleak, applicable to many current situations.”
- House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski: “A horror novel that offers new perspectives with every read, brimming with intriguing theories.”
Looking Ahead
As Hubb16 continues to flourish, Bronwynne and her team are enthusiastic about what the future holds, especially with ongoing local support and community engagement. The anticipation surrounding the release of Small Things Like These as a film and the growing number of visitors adds to the positive momentum.
Hubb16 stands as a testament to the power of literature to connect and engage communities. It invites readers and book lovers alike to visit, dive into their latest reads, and experience the magic of browsing through the pages of a book once again.
Whether you share a favorite book or reminisce about your own stories connected to literature, your thoughts are always welcomed—feel free to engage in the comments below or connect through social media to join the conversation about the joy of reading and the importance of local bookstores.