Sparky's Stacks: A Beloved Bookshop's Farewell

0:00I'm Cory with the story, and you've been listening to Europe News today, AI-powered European coverage. Jim Sparky-Tolerton, owner of Stacks Bookshop and Dundonald, is retiring after 35 years in business. The beloved local spot has drawn book lovers from near and far, but Sparky, nearing his 74th birthday, decided it was time to step away. Earlier this month, he shared that a health issue from an accident led to his dementia diagnosis. His sister, Alice, has been by his side daily, helping him manage forgetfulness and keep things running smoothly at the shop. Customers have been the heart of it all for Sparky and Alice, forming friendships over decades of chats and visits. They've expressed deep gratitude for the loyalty that's kept Stacks thriving. To mark the end of an era, the bookshop is running a half-price sale on all stock through the rest of March, giving fans one last chance to grab deals. The bookshop touches over 55 million people worldwide, with 10 million new cases each year, including more than 22,000 in northern Ireland, underscoring why stories like Sparky's

1:03resonate so widely.