This is the interior of the biggest bookshop in Taiwan, Eslite. Not only does it offer a pleasant and hospitable environment, but it encourages people to stay and read the books, AND it stays open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They offer space for reading clubs, stage lectures and exhibitions. They offer a "complete experience" in this and their 40+ stores throughout the country.
What a wonderful place that must be! The sad thing is, I can't imagine it being a success in the UK. It seems hard enough for any book store to make a go of it and in many places only the big chains survive. The question is, would they do better if they offered the same experience?
I love the idea of a bookshop staying open 24 hours. As a student, this would be perfect for those nights I just can't sleep and can get some extra studying done without the bother of hundreds of people. The Barnes and Noble closes at 7pm on the campus on Fridays. How dumb is that!
ReplyDeleteI loved used bookstores too! Now there are so few places to find a jewel in the stacks. I would suspect that no store other than a huge chain could get away with this and they wouldn't do it. But it would be such fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Kindle has taken over for ease of use and speed. You don't even have to leave home.
Wow, I could only wish for something like this!
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What a great atmosphere! I think our lifestyles here are just too quick for such a calming bookstore. Sadly.
ReplyDeleteI love bookshops. This one sound perfect for me :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame most bookshops are struggling, closing down or reducing their range :-(
I head straight for the bookshops when I visit anywhere new. Secondhand bookshops are my favourite :-)
The reminds me of a postcard a friend gave me for Leakey's in Inverness. I have to go!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have a 24 hour bookstore that allows you to come in and read the books. I'm afraid that here, it would be utilized by vagrants and the homeless!
ReplyDeleteI always wish to 'stay a night' at book store :)
ReplyDeleteliked the man sitting in half-lotus pose,reading a book!
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