Bookseller says iPads have cut the number of books used by students
MICHAEL DOHERTY school supplies on the Main Street in Bray has stopped taking second-hand books for this year.
They do still get enquiries, but the deadline has passed for summer 2017.
Shane Horan of Doherty’s said that there are a number of second-hand books for sale at the shop, along with brand new books. They are mainly junior cycle, first to third year, with some Leaving Cert books available.
The wouldn’t have any second-hand primary school books, as they are often workbooks which the children have written in during the year.
Otherwise, the primary schools often have a book rental scheme. People can leave in their book list, with a contact number, and the staff complete the book list. They will call when the items are ready.
If a customer has said they would prefer second-hand, staff will facilitate that wherever possible.
Shane explained that books can become obsolete if a new edition has been published. ‘ They then essentially become useless for the new academic year,’ he said.
iPads have reduced the numbers of books used by students. Shane said that he thinks a lot of parents prefer the traditional paper book. Doherty’s is getting busy already and in to August it will get even more so.
As well as text-books, they stock novels and plays prescribed for the curriculum. For anything of that nature they don’t have, they will direct customers to Dubray Books.