George Town, Penang, Malaysia, 16 October 2021: “Read Taiwan” pop-up bookstore, collaboratively presented by George Town Festival, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia and Penang City Eye, will be reopening its doors at The Whiteaways Arcade from 29 October 2021 (Friday) to 31 October 2021 (Sunday).

Held in collaboration with Taiwan’s Bleu&Book bookstore franchise, “Read Taiwan” is a highlight event of George Town Festival’s “Isle to Isle” series of programmes. By prioritising quality over quantity, Malaysian readers can expect a prime selection of books from Taiwan along with various genres and styles of magazines. The pop-up bookstore held from 24 – 26 September 2021 was a resounding success, which saw 22 reservation slots in three days almost fully booked. With the increased vaccination rate as well as the gradual opening of interstate borders and economic activities, the organisers have decided to recommence the pop-up bookstore at the same location in late October, allowing interested visitors who had missed last month’s event to indulge in the delight of reading.

In October, “Read Taiwan” will introduce over 300 new books and magazines, which are curated in the same method as September’s event. The Taiwanese books will cover the themes of lifestyle, society and humanities, ecology as well as literature and arts. Previous visitors can still uncover more surprises by exploring more than 10 types of Taiwanese magazines, local publications in English and Chinese, plus newly included reading materials from Hong Kong. With a cup of hand-brewed coffee lovingly crafted by Lunabar Coffee, readers can look forward to a pleasant weekend amid the wafting aroma of books and coffee.

Take note that the pop-up bookstore is only open to readers who have completed two vaccination doses. Prior appointment is required for admission. For those outside Penang, worry not as “Read Taiwan” will be stopping by Muar and Sungai Buloh respectively in late November and late December.

The end of 2021 marks the closure of Malaysia’s pandemic panic. In the coming post-pandemic era, “Isle to Isle” hopes to run more high-quality cultural programmes in Penang and Malaysia. For more information about the event, follow George Town Festival and Penang City Eye on Facebook and Instagram. For enquiries, please contact Lee Choo at 0194726525 or Chi Yue at 0124318098.