The Secret Bookshelf opens at The Courtyard

Carrick author Jo Zebedee (right) and poet Stephanie Conn at the launch.

The Secret Bookshelf officially opened its doors on January 25 at The Courtyard, with Carrick author Jo Zebedee at the helm.

"The store intends to run events throughout the year, with storyteller Liz Weir visiting on February 15, and local author, Angeline King, coming in on March 28 to talk about the history of Irish dancing in the east Antrim area," Jo said.

"There is also a planned 'May the Fourth' day, with a science fiction theme."

The Secret Bookshelf is located upstairs at The Courtyard.

The launch, meanwhile, was supported by award-winning poet Stephanie Conn, who led a reading and discussion event.

The Secret Bookshelf has a showroom selling new, collectable and gift books, including signed books by Michael Longley, Patrick Rothfuss and Paul Muldoon, amongst others.

"It also has a bargain book room and a separate children's book store, with space to curl up on cushions and read together," Jo added."In addition to books, the shop stocks art by several local artists, cards, felt and craft work by local producers, as well as a range of magic wands."

Also in the pipeline are writing groups and courses hosted by Jo, the author of sci-fi 'space opera' series The Inheritance Trilogy, Inish Carraig, and Waters and the Wild.

The local writer is currently working on a dystopian sci-fi set in Cullybackey.