Best Irish Bookseller Award

Bord Gáis Energy, headline sponsors of the Irish Book Awards, is launching a new prize category for 2011. The award is designed to recognise booksellers, and the vital role they play in connecting writers and readers. The 10 shops which receive the most votes – two shops for each region Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Connacht and Greater Dublin – will be shortlisted on the 20th of October. Those shortlisted will be requested to set up an Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book Awards window display and submit a brief write up on their passion for selling books. The winning shop will be chosen by a judging panel who will visit each store. The winning bookshop will receive €5,000 worth of free electricity, while two voters will win €1,000 of free electricity. Public voting runs until October 14th with the shortlist announced on 20th October. To vote, visit the Bord Gáis Energy book club at bordgaisenergybookclub.ie.