Cover image via BookXcess
No stranger to 'alternative' bookstore concepts, BookXcess is already making waves with the launch of its latest outlet
BookXcess at Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang is the bookstore's eight outlet, but the very first venture outside of the Klang Valley.
Spanning over 26,000 sq ft, the outlet – dubbed "The House of a Million Stories" – takes up the entire seventh floor and even parts of the eight floor.
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
The outlet's countless number of shelves hold a diverse catalogue of over a million books, but two in particular are rendering people speechless:
Image via BookXcess
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
The two-storey "Really Tall Shelf" is a jaw-dropping 10 metres high! It's also one of many "scenic" routes you can take to access the store's other floor.
Meanwhile, the "Really Long Shelf" is a head-spinning 70-metre stretch of fiction novels.
At the end of the 70 metre-long shelf is an archway that leads into a lovely section dedicated entirely to children's books
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Children can roll around to their heart's content at the carpeted area or quietly enjoy their book at one of the kid-sized tables
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Don't forget to admire the gorgeous art murals and sculptures while you're there!
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
The murals are painted into little nooks that double as sitting area for the tiny ones. It also makes for a great photo opportunity!
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
There are also a number of these unique "spine art" sculptures on display:
Shoppers can also take a moment to breathe – or read a book! – by plopping themselves down on one of the many seating areas available within the store
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
BookXcess @ Gurney Paragon Mall also has two 'Cafe Wolf' corners if you need a quick way to refill an empty stomach or quench your thirst
While Cafe Wolf on Level 7 offers an array of delicacies for the sweet tooth, it's the Level 8 cafe that is the perfect spot to sit down with a drink in one hand and a book in the other.
Best of all, the "Red Readerhood" initiative has found a permanent home in the Gurney Paragon Mall outlet!
Donations made at the Penang outlet will benefit the following charities:
– House of Hope,
– The Salvation Army,
– St Joseph's Home, and
– Hope Worldwide Penang.
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
Fans of the annual Big Bad Wolf Books Sale will recognise the programme, which encourages shoppers to purchase a book to be donated to communities in need.
"We're probably the first bookstore in Malaysia that has a permanent section for CSR," said BookXcess founder Andrew Yap.
"Not only do we match the book [purchased by the customer], but we will actually go to the home and help them build libraries and read with them."
With a little something for everyone, BookXcess @ Gurney Paragon Mall is a must-visit for Penang lang and tourists alike!
Image via Alyssa J. Oon/SAYS
