BookXcess opens South-east Asia’s largest 24-hour bookstore in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia – BookXcess has unveiled its most ambitious venture yet. The Library by BookXcess at Sunway Square Mall, Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya, is now the largest 24-hour bookstore in South-east Asia.

Around 2,000 book lovers of all ages turned up for the midnight launch on Dec 10. The 3,530 sq m space includes two maze-like floors of towering shelves, nearly 1km of walkways and quiet nooks for studying, working or settling in with a book.

BookXcess co-founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng acknowledge that this flagship store is a bold undertaking, but one they believe is worth the risk.

“I think the timing is right, as many of us are overwhelmed with all the digitalisation taking over our lives, and I get the sense that a lot of people want to go back to analogue,” says Mr Yap.

“We actually have the proof right here – even though it’s 12.30am, it’s packed. Malaysians do want to read and they need a convenient, accessible space to do so. That’s what The Library is here for,” he adds.

According to Ms Ng, Bandar Sunway was the natural choice for The Library due to its strategic location. “There are several universities nearby and not nearly enough conducive spaces for students to study and work on assignments, so we hope The Library becomes that safe space for them,” she says.

Mr Yap says that beyond being a place for learning, they also want The Library to spark discovery.

“We want to inspire creativity and curiosity among visitors and encourage them to read more, so we filled it with artworks, sculptures and installations that will spark that desire.”

Among its Instagrammable highlights are the “Flying Books” suspended from the ceiling and “Whale Fall”, a striking ceiling installation by Malaysian artist CO2 made from damaged books rescued from the BookXcess warehouse.

Several cones are placed throughout the store – architectural sculptures that pay homage to Sunway City’s origins as a tin-mining town. Art lovers will also recognise the pumpkin installations that draw inspiration from Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

A range of lifestyle partners transforms The Library into an all-day, all-night hub of exploration and inspiration. These include Kenny Hills Bakers, Becon Stationery, Frak/ture Fashion Studio and Good Mojo Smoothies.

Crowds thronged the store at the launch, their faces lighting up with smiles as they explored every corner, snapping photos and recording videos.

Mr Vijay Nair, 37, and his wife Pavithra Pillay, 33, from Klang were there with their 18-month-old son Arjun.

“The concept of a 24-hour bookstore is pretty cool. It can be hard to find a place that’s open after midnight, so this is perfect, especially for my wife, who likes to destress by reading,” Mr Nair says.

Ms Pillay adds: “It’s such a huge and beautiful place. Since I became a mum, this is my first time finding a place where I can let my inner child out again, so I’m really excited.”

Ms Aleeya Qarmila, 20, a student at Sunway University, says she has been a regular at BookXcess since primary school.

“It has a good selection of fantasy titles and prices are cheaper than most other bookstores,” she says, adding that her favourite series are Caraval and Once Upon A Broken Heart by American author Stephanie Garber.

English tutor Pearl Ng, 47, says that as a long-time BookXcess customer, she loves the 24-hour concept. “Now I can come here any time I want and buy books. The layout is amazing. It’s so big yet cosy,” she adds.

Her husband Daniel Ch’ng, 46, jokes that The Library may become their second home.

“You’ve got food, you’ve got books, you’ve got great views. Why not? I love the little nooks and hideaways, and there are desks with plug points, so it’s perfect for working remotely,” he says. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK