AmyHuang
Book cafes are on the rise
There is an increase in cafes offering more than just coffee and cake. Many cafes these days distinguish themselves by providing extra features on the side to entertain its customers.
No I don't mean live entertainment, but there seem to be a trend starting with book cafes.
Independent cafes have been doing it for ages. Have a small book shelf in the corner providing some quality (or sometimes trashy) reading while its customers enjoy a good sunday morning coffee. Those like me, who often like to visit cafes on our own, finally have something to do.
Now, the mainstreams are following. Large chain book stores are inviting large chain cafes to join forces in bringing customers in. Some Dymocks now have branches of Gloria Jeans in their stores, and Angus and Robertson have Starbucks. It's almost like the world suddenly discovered quality reading time.
My favourite is the Berkelouws Cafe on Norton Street in Leichhardt. It is a joint operation between the cafe and Berkelouws Book store, selling new and second books while its customers can sit on comfortable outdoor seating or indoor wooden benches to enjoy their book purchase with a good cup of coffee. Yes, the coffee is good, and as an independent and rare books store, you'll often find alternative publishings available for sale.
Actually, here is another new concept which many cafes have now taken up - Book Crossing. It's a worldwide 'book club' where you read a book, leave it somewhere for some random people to pick it up, they read it and leaving somewhere else waiting for another passer by. I see it as a book travelling club. The book gets to travel by being passed from one person to another and you get to see where your book are being taken to by having it registered online.
Many cafes have set themselves up as Book Crossing drop off points so everyone can come and pick up a book to read, and if they wish, to take it with them to another drop off point to share with others.
Not a bad weekend pass time is it?
If you like to read and lot spending a bit of time to yourself, why not find your local cafe that offer a book sharing or purchase service? You might be surprised on what you can find.
No I don't mean live entertainment, but there seem to be a trend starting with book cafes.
Independent cafes have been doing it for ages. Have a small book shelf in the corner providing some quality (or sometimes trashy) reading while its customers enjoy a good sunday morning coffee. Those like me, who often like to visit cafes on our own, finally have something to do.
Now, the mainstreams are following. Large chain book stores are inviting large chain cafes to join forces in bringing customers in. Some Dymocks now have branches of Gloria Jeans in their stores, and Angus and Robertson have Starbucks. It's almost like the world suddenly discovered quality reading time.
My favourite is the Berkelouws Cafe on Norton Street in Leichhardt. It is a joint operation between the cafe and Berkelouws Book store, selling new and second books while its customers can sit on comfortable outdoor seating or indoor wooden benches to enjoy their book purchase with a good cup of coffee. Yes, the coffee is good, and as an independent and rare books store, you'll often find alternative publishings available for sale.
Actually, here is another new concept which many cafes have now taken up - Book Crossing. It's a worldwide 'book club' where you read a book, leave it somewhere for some random people to pick it up, they read it and leaving somewhere else waiting for another passer by. I see it as a book travelling club. The book gets to travel by being passed from one person to another and you get to see where your book are being taken to by having it registered online.
Many cafes have set themselves up as Book Crossing drop off points so everyone can come and pick up a book to read, and if they wish, to take it with them to another drop off point to share with others.
Not a bad weekend pass time is it?
If you like to read and lot spending a bit of time to yourself, why not find your local cafe that offer a book sharing or purchase service? You might be surprised on what you can find.
Writer's Notes
Book Crossing sounds like an excellent idea!
In the US, even large bookstore chains like Barnes & Noble often have cafes (serving Starbuck's coffee, of course) where the average customer can delve into a book or magazine or where college students can study while enjoying a cup of great coffee and a snack or dessert. Books and coffee: a "marriage made in heaven"!
Great post!
Jeanne
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