It’s a great time to be a bookworm as individuals seek stimulating ways to keep themselves entertained at home. There are many boons to reading, from increasing one’s memory, literary skills and empathy to battling boredom, cutting stress and sparking the imagination. In this trying time economic uncertainty has driven Malaysians to donate to organisations and frontliners battling Covid-19. However, it isn’t only healthcare workers who are in need of financial support as local bookstores are facing difficulties as well. Here are seven bookshops with online stores you can show some love to during this movement control order (MCO).
1. Lit Books
Founded and run by a husband and wife team who are bibliophiles and former journalists, this independent bookstore specialises in English literary titles. Lit Books features a curated collection of acclaimed fiction and non-fiction across various genres, from collector’s editions of classics to more modern releases. Their website features an online store stocked with a vast array books available for purchase, along with podcasts discussing literature based on Lit Books’ past events.
2. Bookxcess
Started in 2006 with the noble mission to get Malaysians to read more, Bookxcess employs a smart business model to keep the prices of their books low by purchasing unwanted and unsold books that are new and unread from various stores at low prices, passing on the savings to their customers. The store’s large collection of children’s books, from Lego, Star Wars, and Dr Seuss to Disney, Marvel and Enid Blyton, and select number of games, toys and puzzles make it the perfect avenue to stockpile enough entertainment for your little ones for the weeks to come.
3. Bookurve
Bookurve is an online English, Malay, Chinese and children book store that offers free delivery. There’s even a smart recycle program that encourages readers to circulate finished books in exchange for store credit towards the next title. One will find a large number of books across various categories, from arts and photography to travel, at reasonable prices.
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4. MPH
The bookstore giant may be closed during the MCO period but their books are still available for purchase online. MPH‘s success lies in its large collection of bestsellers, career-focused paperbacks, school references and stationery across various genres, offering something for all ages.
5. Open Trolley
Open Trolley boasts 15 million titles across 4000 categories, touting the widest range of books in Malaysia. Delivery is also available, with an average timeframe of seven to ten days.
6. Cziplee
Local bookstore Cziplee is still providing free domestic shipping during the lockdown, making it a great time to stock up on the store’s wide selection of stationery in addition to popular books and magazines.
7.Kinokuniya
Chain bookstore Kinokuniya‘s popularity stems from its impressive collection of titles available in Japanese, English, Malay and Chinese. Manga and comic lovers will appreciate the store’s up-to-date volumes, while collectors will also value the store’s ability to source their ideal version of their desired book that will complete their home library.
