Southeast Asia’s Largest 24-Hour Bookstore, ‘The Library by BookXcess’, Opens in Bandar Sunway
Malaysia’s beloved bookstore chain, BookXcess, renowned for its commitment to making books accessible and affordable, has launched its most ambitious project to date: ‘The Library by BookXcess’. This new establishment, situated in the recently unveiled Sunway Square Mall in Bandar Sunway, is being hailed as the largest 24-hour bookstore in Southeast Asia. Since its grand opening on December 10th, the store has experienced a consistent flow of visitors, with a notable presence of students who are drawn to its extensive aisles, captivating displays, and aesthetically pleasing environment, perfect for social media sharing.
This venture marks BookXcess’s second foray into operating a bookstore around the clock. The company had previously pioneered Malaysia’s first 24-hour bookstore concept with its Tamarind Square outlet in Cyberjaya, which commenced operations in 2018.
Andrew Yap, co-founder of BookXcess, shared insights into how the initial 24-hour experiment in Tamarind Square significantly influenced the development of ‘The Library by BookXcess’. “Tamarind Square was our first attempt at a bookstore that opened around the clock, and that journey taught us many valuable lessons about what works, what doesn’t, and what readers truly need,” Yap explained. He elaborated that the company’s motivation extends beyond mere commercial success. “For us, it’s not simply about whether the business is doing well. It’s about purpose. We want to create spaces that can inspire people, at any time of the day. Learning doesn’t follow office hours, and neither should access to books.”
A Strategic Location Tailored for Students
The selection of Bandar Sunway as the location for ‘The Library by BookXcess’ was a deliberate choice, driven by its status as a vibrant student hub teeming with tens of thousands of learners. Yap highlighted that many students in the area often face challenges in finding conducive study environments and may reside in limited living spaces. This observed need was a key factor in BookXcess’s decision to establish an open and accessible space, particularly catering to those who require facilities during unconventional hours.
People explore the newly opened 24-hour The Library by BookXcess at the Sunway Square Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
“More importantly, our goal is to inspire students whenever they need it most – whether they’re burning the midnight oil for exams or completing assignments,” Yap stated. He further emphasised that ‘The Library by BookXcess’ is conceptualised as a sanctuary where individuals can find inspiration at any hour of the day.
Cultivating Lifelong Readers and Community
BookXcess aims to foster enduring connections with its student patrons, hoping to be remembered as a place that provided crucial support during their academic journeys. Yap underscored the company’s long-standing commitment to building lasting relationships, prioritising them over transient transactions. “By creating this space for today’s students, we are nurturing the next generation of readers and, in time, lifelong members of the BookXcess community,” he remarked.
The company’s overarching mission transcends purely commercial objectives. “We hope ‘The Library by BookXcess’ becomes a second home – a place to read, think, dream, and find inspiration at any hour,” Yap expressed. “If we can ignite a love for knowledge through the space we’ve built, then we’ve achieved our mission.”
Future Expansion of the 24-Hour Concept
Currently, ‘The Library by BookXcess’ serves as the flagship for the company’s 24-hour operational model. Yap indicated that the initial response has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming a significant demand for such community-focused spaces. “This is not going to be a one-off,” he affirmed. “We’re already looking at how we can bring the 24-hour model to more of our upcoming stores, especially in communities that can benefit from such a concept.”
A Visually Stunning and Comprehensive Retail Experience
The Library by BookXcess at the Sunway Square Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor has stunning interiors perfect for snapping an Instagram-worthy shot. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
BookXcess made its debut at Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya back in 2006 and has since expanded its footprint across numerous locations nationwide. The Sunway Square outlet is a sprawling 38,000 square feet establishment spread across multiple levels, meticulously designed to be one of the most visually captivating bookstores globally.
Beyond its extensive book collection, the store integrates several complementary retail and F&B tenants, enhancing the overall visitor experience. These include:
- Kenny Hills Bakers: Offering artisanal baked goods and coffee.
- Becon Stationery: Providing a wide range of stationery and art supplies.
- FRAK/TURE Fashion Studio: Showcasing curated fashion pieces.
- Good Mojo Smoothies: Serving healthy and refreshing smoothies.
Strategically situated on Level 2 of Sunway Square, ‘The Library by BookXcess’ ensures accessibility even during hours when the rest of the mall might be closed, reinforcing its commitment to being a truly 24-hour literary haven.
Book enthusiasts can spend hours browsing The Library by BookXcess at the Sunway Square Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa
