Blarney Books & Art — Jackie Kerin

It seems like an eternity since I was able to tell stories and talk books.

This session at the magical book shop and gallery in Port Fairy in Victoria was my first since 2019 and the arrival of Covid.

Blarney Books & Art is the most welcoming and respectful space I know; Jo has thought of everything to create a place that embraces everyone. The tall rainbow flags fly proudly, announcing that this is a safe space for LGBTQI+ people. The ramp and handrails make it easy for wheels, legs that don’t like steps and walking frames.

Across the first threshold is a gallery flooded with light and always filled with work beautifully exhibited. This is Richard Weatherly’s work on show.

Across the second threshold is an large room with nooks and crannies, shelves and tables, a stage, a wooden train set, a fish tank, a piano, new and second handbooks and lots of chairs. It’s part home, part shop, part play space - it’s perfect.

And yes we had a full house and sold lots of books.