News / Second-hand bookshop plans for Kergord
THE DISUSED Kergord hatchery could be reinvented as a second-hand bookshop if planning permission is secured.
The idea is the brainchild of Dr Sarah Taylor, who stepped down from her role of as director of public health at NHS Shetland in 2016 after more than 15 years at the helm.
Speaking to Shetland News, Taylor said she has a long-held passion for literature and writing and wanted to give the isles’ book lovers a new shopping experience.
She stressed there is no opening date set as the development still has to go through the routine planning process.
“I’ve always been interested in books, and I think second-hand bookshops are different to new bookshops. They’re interesting places,” Taylor said.
“I’m passionate about the written word, and I think there’s something special about putting a real book in your hand.”
It is hoped that the shop, which could ultimately house thousands of books, would complement the nearby Bonhoga Gallery and “enhance” its customer base.
The building, which has not been used for the last five years, would be extensively renovated and the plans include increased parking space.
It had also been used as storage facility and occasional arts workshop area by Shetland Arts.
Taylor said she would hope to stock a range of books, instead of focusing on particular specialities.
She believes that a secondhand bookshop could give Shetland’s readers the opportunity to discover new writers and genres.
“If you look for a book online, you tend to be looking for a particular book or a particular sort of book,” Taylor said.
“In a bookshop, you cruise the shelves and you find things you perhaps hadn’t thought of. I hope that enough other people with similar interests and passions in Shetland will make this work.”
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