Pictured at Westport Library is David Whelan with library staff Keith Martin (left) and Dolores Power. Photo: Conor McKeown

A novel place to write a book

WHAT better place to write a novel than in a library.

Writer and yoga teacher David Whelan from Westport wrote most of his latest novel, The Crowded Earth, in Westport Library.

He is very thankful to library staff Keith Martin and Dolores Power for their support and said: “Having Westport Library made a significant contribution to the process of writing the novel, including giving me a dedicated table overlooking the Carrowbeg River, and assistance from Keith and Dolores when researching the novel.”

David added: “The library, as part of the social centre of the town, is essential to the community, and community support has been essential to the completion of The Crowded Earth.”

The book cover was designed by local artist Sinead Wall and has been receiving a lot of attention since it was shown on Facebook.

RTÉ’s Rick O’Shea, who runs the country’s largest book club with over 20,000 members, described it as a ‘gorgeous cover’. The book was also printed locally, at Books At One in Louisburgh.

David Whelan will be launching The Crowded Earth at the Rolling Sun Book Festival on Thursday, November 15, at 7 p.m. in the Custom House Studio and Gallery, Westport. Everyone is welcome.