A series of Dunedin writers continued their writing, by relay, at a table at the bookshop and interacted with members of the public throughout the Saturday event.And about 120 red velvet cupcakes, each adorned with a small chocolate book, were eaten by customers and at least some of the writers.
Bookshop manager Phillippa Duffy said a recent visit to the United Kingdom and Europe had highlighted the positive role still being played by bookshops as part of a wider creative community.
The celebration event had been ‘‘wonderful’’, and bookshop staff were encouraging people of all ages to discover, or rediscover, the "magic" of reading.
"We’ve had extra staff on. We’ve been flat out," she said.
Among the day’s many highlights was a visit by children’s book illustrator and writer Robyn Belton. This is the second year the bookshop has celebrated New Zealand Bookshop Day, which is organised by Booksellers New Zealand.
