28/09/2025

ON SUNDAY September 28, 2025 VI theSunday Special

a must-visit event for bargain hunters and families who want to stock up on children’s books. With discounts going up to 90%, it remains one of the biggest book events in the region. Another interesting spot is Booku, located at GMBB Kuala Lumpur. It sells mostly second-hand books, primarily in Chinese language. The prices are reason able, but the best part about Booku is its initiative in promoting reading culture in place of technology and gadgets. Their Chill Project, a series of events organised with An Art Think, creates a space for individuals to unplug and recon nect with themselves and others. Activities include reading, doodling, scrapbooking or simply enjoying a quiet moment away from screens. It positions itself not just as a bookstore but as a cultural initiative encouraging people to embrace slower, more mindful activities.

For those who want to take part but don’t have a book to swap, there’s an option to take home a book for a small fee of RM5. The event is held monthly at rotating venues around Klang Valley, with announcements made through the group’s social media pages. The atmosphere is friendly and casual, almost like a pop-up library. It is a practical way not just to save money, but also to share the love of reading with the wider community. While primarily known as a thrift store for clothing, shoes and household items, Jalan-Jalan Japan also has a modest book section. With prices ranging from RM3 to RM10, it is one of the cheapest places to hunt for books. The selection may not be huge, but browsing through the shelves often yields surprising finds – from Japanese manga and children’s titles to (QJOLVK QRYHOV DQG QRQ ¿FWLRQ The experience is similar to a treasure hunt: It takes patience and a willing ness to explore, but the bargains can be remarkable compared to retail prices. Aside from these outlets, there are other creative ways to stretch your read ing budget. Public libraries, for example, remain underutilised despite having improved facilities and wider collections than many people realise. Free online platforms such as Project Gutenberg also provide thousands of classics at no cost: These may not replicate the charm of print, but they are valuable resources for avid readers.

For those who prefer used books, Books )RU $ %HWWHU :RUOG %)%: R̆ HUV D ZLGH selection at its self-service stores. The books are not all in perfect condition, but shoppers often stumble upon rare gems, such as out-of-print editions or titles that were not initially available in Malaysia. BFBW also has a bigger mission: Re ducing the number of books that end up in ODQG¿OOV %\ JLYLQJ SUH ORYHG ERRNV D VHF RQG OLIH WKH\ QRW RQO\ VXSSRUW D̆ RUGDEOH reading but also promote sustainability. The initiative helps ensure books continue to circulate, creating value well beyond WKHLU ¿UVW RZQHU If swapping sounds more appealing, the KL Book Exchange might be the an swer. This initiative, run by a community of book lovers, operates on a one-for-one exchange model. Participants bring books WKH\ KDYH ¿QLVKHG DQG WUDGH WKHP IRU others brought by fellow readers.

Books on a budget BY HANNEF ESQUANDER

A S most of our income goes towards essentials like food, transportation and personal care, there is often little left for leisure. Hobbies such as din ing out, travelling or even buying simple pleasures like craft supplies, music vinyl or books can feel like luxuries. For bookworms, this can be especially tough. While eBooks and Kindles are con venient, nothing compares to holding a book, turning its pages and breathing in that familiar scent. The smarter approach LV WR ¿QG ZD\V WR NHHS UHDGLQJ ZLWKRXW overspending. Thankfully, in Klang Valley, there are quite a number of ways to get a steady sup ply of reading materials without breaking the bank and most importantly, without that nagging feeling of guilt. Some require a little digging, while others require a willingness to try second-hand or older titles, but all share the same goal: Making books more accessible. The most commonly known place for D̆ RUGDEOH ERRNV LV %RRN;FHVV 7KH ERRNV here are brand new, but not exactly the latest titles in the market. These are priced lower because they are overstocked or remaindered books: Titles that publishers printed too many copies of and want to VHOO R̆ WR PDNH URRP IRU QHZHU UHOHDVHV Hence the name “excess”.

B RRN;FHVV KDV EHFRPH D JR WR IRU FR̆ HH WDEOH ERRNV DUW DQG GHVLJQ WLWOHV DV ZHOO DV SRSXODU ¿FWLRQ DQG QRQ ¿FWLRQ Walking into one of their outlets feels like stepping into a treasure trove, with VKHOYHV ¿OOHG ZLWK D ZLGH UDQJH RI VXEMHFWV at prices that allow readers to stretch their ringgit further. On top of their permanent outlets, %RRN;FHVV DOVR RUJDQLVHV WKH %LJ %DG Wolf book fair, a massive annual fest R̆ HULQJ ERRNV DW HYHQ IXUWKHU PDUNHG down prices. It has built a reputation as

Another option gaining popularity is community book boxes – small cabinets placed in cafes, community centres or residential areas where people can drop R̆ RU SLFN XS ERRNV IRU IUHH 7KH\ DUH informal, but they nurture the idea of sharing and circulating knowledge with out money changing hands. Ultimately, there are many ways to enjoy what we love without spending a IRUWXQH :LWK D OLWWOH H̆ RUW DQG DQ RSHQ mind, we can keep reading without guilt or going broke. These small but smart options help us save money while sup porting a more sustainable lifestyle. At the end of the day, books are not just about personal pleasure. They also connect us to ideas, cultures and stories that broaden our world. In times like these, that is a win for everyone.