On Tuesday evening, the formal opening of the Chapter1 Book Loft took place at the premises of Éirelux in Luxembourg-Howald in the presence of around 45 guests including the ambassadors of Britain, Ireland, Italy and Greece, as well as directors of secondary and primary schools and montessori crèche.
HE Ambassador of Britain to Luxembourg, John Marshall, said that nowadays there are fewer and fewer bookshops and so it is particularly heartening to see a new bookshop opening. He said that bookshops are places to exchange, meet and learn. He described the Chapter1 Book Loft as "absolutely beautiful" and commented on the children's section, the adults section and books on Shakespeare, illustrating the great selection of books available. He said the opening of the bookshop is a cause for celebration and wished the bookstore and the people behind it good luck.
Introduced by MC John Chalmers, Chapter1 owner Caroline Muhlfen said that opening a new bookstore is a scary thing but stressed that its success depends of the support of the community. She mentioned there will be a coffee shop in operation at the Book Loft and the organisation of children's story times as well as workshops on nutrition, sustainability and the environment, but overall the Book Loft is a place to read and buy books.
She mentioned Éirelux which will shortly be opening a bar, café and restaurant which will serve Sunday lunches, meaning the Chapter1 Book Loft will be open seven days/week. She also stressed that the Belair bookshop will remain open and focus on school books, Sunday newspapers, etc.
She thanked Vincent Clarke for his collaboration, Sonya Heffernan for creating the wonderful children's area, Daniela Fusillo for organising the current event and future events and Jane Mottet for co-ordinating the entire project of opening the Book Loft.
The public opening is being held this Thursday 30 June 2016 at 18:30 at Éirelux / Chapter1 Book Loft at rue des Bruyères in Luxembourg-Howald. As previously stated, this event is by prior registration only and is fully booked.
Photos by Geoff Thompson
