Armchair Books

As you might expect from the name, Armchair Books is top-tier cozy, and the perfect place to be hugged by secondhand books on all sides. This store is a maze of bookshelves, each doorway with a set of shelves stretching over guest’s heads. It’s as easy to get lost in here as it is in the world of your favorite novel.

The collection ranges from old to new and classics to sci-fi, so it can be a little overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Thankfully, if you need a recommendation or just a friendly ear, the owner is a warm, welcoming sort, happy to strike up a conversation with the casual customer.

Blackwell’s Bookshop

Easily recognizable by its striking blue storefront, Blackwell’s has three floors and is the oldest bookstore in Edinburgh, established in 1848, and standing at its current location in South Bridge since 1853.

It has quite a long, winding history. It started out not as Blackwell’s, but as James Thin, a single store selling academic texts near Edinburgh University that grew into a chain with 35 branches across the UK over the course of 154 years. Blackwell UK bought out the chain in the early 2000s, shortly after which it remodeled the original South Bridge store into its current glory. Nowadays, its focus is on new releases, literary merchandise, and stationery.

Till’s Bookshop

This secondhand bookstore has a close-knit, friendly ambiance. It’s small but contains a generous number of carefully curated books, both fiction and non-fiction. It’s not stuffed to bursting as you might find in some places, so if you like having a bit of room to breathe and relax, this will be an ideal stop.

The interior has a smattering of small, tasteful decorations and paintings that give the store life and character; the small, antique stove in the fireplace; the gentle glow of round paper lanterns; and strings of seashells hung in the window. The owner updates decorations regularly, so don’t be surprised if you find something new when you step inside.

McNaughtan’s Bookshop

McNaughtan’s is a discovery waiting to be made. It has a broad range of books, including classics, poetry, old Scots history, and rare finds such as signed copies and early editions. Combined with the knowledgeable staff eager to offer their keen advice, book lovers and collectors will be overjoyed at the high-quality selection.

Since it has a fairly loose organization, it’s not the best place to go in search of a specific book. However, if you want to browse and stumble upon a new discovery, it will give you an adventure worth taking.

Typewronger Books

If the picture of this store seems suspiciously similar to McNaughtan’s, there’s a reason for that. Typewronger is McNaughtan’s sister bookshop, situated right next door but with a precision-laser focus on LGBTQ+, sex, and sexuality.

As a sister shop to McNaughtan’s, you can expect the same high caliber of books found there, simply with a different flair.

Golden Hare Books

Established in 2012, Golden Hare Books presents a warm, welcoming space filled with an expansive range of literature, both fiction and non-fiction—though it does place a bit more emphasis on its fictional collection.

It has a colorful and inviting kids’ section and open, well-organized book displays. Golden Hare hosts countless events throughout the year, helping to foster a love of books in people of all ages.

Edinburgh Books

Not to be mistaken for the similarly-named The Edinburgh Bookshop, Edinburgh Books is the largest secondhand bookshop in the City of Literature and sports a wry sense of humor born by its decades in business, exemplified in the water buffalo head hung on the wall.

Like any decent secondhand bookseller, this store is stuffed full of books of all sorts, including some old, rare, and signed copies.

Topping & Company

Topping & Company is a bookstore chain with four branches (soon to be five) across the UK, and their biggest is in Edinburgh. Not only does it have loads of reading rooms with comfortable seating spread across its three floors, you get to play out your fantasies of being Belle on their rolling ladders. The store’s majestic architecture paints an impressive picture with its rounded storefront.

What really makes this Topping & Company shine, though, is its top-notch customer service. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly – which, to be fair, is not unusual for independent bookstores, which are often driven by passion and a love of books. What is unusual is the complimentary tea or coffee they give to their patrons. Talk about service!

The Portobello Bookshop

Though it opened fairly recently in 2019, this spacious bookstore has a classy but natural feel, with a distinctive character found in its art easel-like bookshelves. Customers rave about the fantastic service offered by staff, and the dedicated care put into the store’s many events.

They’re welcome to orders, whether domestic or international, and offer a wide variety of books, tote bags, and stationery.

Waterstones

This is a bookstore with a view; specifically, a view of Edinburgh Castle. The Waterstones bookstore chain has four different branches in Edinburgh, but its best (certainly its most grand and elegant) is right on Princes Street, a stone’s throw from the city’s famous castle grounds.

This particular location also has the benefit of a lovely café that serves as a perfect vantage point of the castle, all while you enjoy some reasonably-price cake and tea. It also makes a stunning venue for its numerous literary events.

The post Edinburgh’s 10 Best Bookshops appeared first on Magazine.

For students at the Linlithgow Academy in Scotland, it’s quickly becoming the latter. Leading publishers Penguin Random House have gifted their own special vending machine to the school, close to the Scottish capital at Edinburgh. Now, students and staff members are able to pick up a great new book, immediately, with just a few touches of the machine’s keypad.

And not just any books. The 70 titles in the vending machine come from Penguin’s Lit in Colour reading lists – a collection of volumes designed to showcase diverse and sometimes marginalized voices in the world of literature.

Linlithgow’s Lit in Colour Vending Machine

It was August 27th, 2024 when Linlithgow’s Lit in Colour vending machine was opened for business for the first time. Among those present at the grand opening was Jackie Kay, Scotland’s former poet laureate, and author of Red Dust Road, among other books. This was an especially proud moment for Jackie – some of her works are among the books available for purchase.

The Lit in Colour scheme was launched after research from the Runnymede Trust found that below 1% of students aged between 14 and 16 had studied any work from a writer of color as part of their school curriculum. By placing vending machines packed with diverse books in schools, Penguin – in partnership with the Runnymede Trust – is working to change this.

An Exciting Opportunity for Students

As part of the launch of the new book vending machine, Jackie Kay sat down with education manager Lesley Nelson-Addy at the Runnymede Trust. The two spoke about the unique opportunity these vending machines represent.

“Having a vending machine for books is really exciting,” Jackie said during the discussion. “I think it’s a novel idea and a wonderful way to introduce people to books they might not have come across otherwise.”

This is particularly exciting for students at Linlithgow Academy. The school was one of 800 who applied to join the program, so there was stiff competition in the application process. Now beginning a new academic year, students at Linlithgow are already enjoying works from the likes of Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, Toni Morrison, and many others.

The History of the Book Vending Machine

While this seems like an exciting new idea – and, of course, it is – book vending machines actually have a longer history than you might expect. In fact, Penguin has been among the pioneers of book vending machines for the best part of a century.

Penguin Books first emerged back in 1935, and vending machines very quickly made their way onto the agenda. Only two years later, Penguin’s co-founder Allen Lane announced the Penguincubator – a ground-breaking book vending machine that appeared on London’s Charing Cross Road in 1935.

Rumour has it that Allen had been visiting legendary mystery author Agatha Christie when he found himself in an ironic position on his return journey from Exeter St Davids station – he had nothing to read. This was in 1934, and it proved to be the spark of inspiration he needed to begin the Penguin Books imprint. Because of this moment, one of the first Penguin vending machines was placed at this very same station, several years later.

Penguin Book Vending Machines Across the United Kingdom

In 2023, 89 years after Allen Lane found himself at a loose end in Exeter, Penguin Books decided to do something special. They installed a new vending machine at Exeter’s St Davids station, commemorating both the birthplace of Penguin itself, and the location of one of its first vending machines.

But it’s not just Exeter train station and the Linlithgow where you can enjoy the super-convenient experience of picking up a book on the move. Penguin has also been installing similar vending machines at other libraries around the country. In 2023, Penguin gave the United Kingdom’s train stations a chance to apply for a vending machine of their own. The only proviso – the station must not already have a bookshop on-site.

In 2024, Penguin plans to launch four vending machines in schools across the country. As well as the machine at Linlithgow, Penguin unveiled one at Fossdene Primary School in Greenwich, London in September. Two more are scheduled for launch at schools before the end of the year.

Following on from the early successes, Penguin plans to launch more of their library vending machines in various locations across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the new year. It’s never been easier to broaden your reading horizons and dive into a new book.

The post A New Vending Machine Serves up Diverse Books, On Demand appeared first on Magazine.

Origin Story for Tokyo’s Book Town

Kanda-Jinbōchō, informally known as Jimbocho, is a neighborhood in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, and is the place to go for secondhand books of every genre and type.

Starting at the end of the nineteenth century, foreign language schools started opening up in the area, followed by bookstores and a publishing house. It went through two devastating fires, one in 1913 and another in 1923, but it has risen from the ashes of those tragedies stronger than ever.

A Bookstore Every Few Feet

In total, this one neighborhood boasts a staggering 130 bookstores and book cafés. These range from tiny holes in the wall only able to fit two or three people at a time to a massive, three-building hub with more books than cherry blossoms in a tree-lined street. You can check out the website here to see a full list of all of Jimbocho’s stores.

Jimbocho is quite literally jam-packed with books, making for a veritable bibliophile’s paradise. So, no surprise it has been featured in different media, such as the manga series Dropkick on my Devil and the light novel series Read or Die.

Kanda Used Book Festival

Given the area’s status as Tokyo’s book town, it’s really no wonder it hosts not one, but two book festivals. The bigger event is the Kanda Used Book Festival, and it’s notable as the biggest market for secondhand books in all of Japan. Lasting a week or more, the stalls set up along Yasukuni Street create what has been nicknamed a “corridor of books.”

It’s no wonder, either, because walking down the street between rows of shelves piled high, it feels like you’ve walked into a whole forest of books, books, and more books. Some of them, no doubt, are rare and valuable; don’t be surprised if you find more than a few collectors’ items here. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that millions of books are on sale during the festival – it’s a huge deal.

Books aren’t the only things you can find, either. Some stalls sell postcards, art, or handmade knick-knacks. The festival also hosts lectures, so if you’re curious about what the literary scene looks like in Japan, it’s the perfect opportunity to find out.

One of the nicest perks of going to this particular festival is that you can find delivery services that will send your stacks of purchases straight to your address. No worries about hauling around luggage made ten times heavier by a pack of hardbacks; Kanda wants you to give your back a break.

Jimbocho Book Festival

While the Kanda festival offers a broad and fairly eclectic selection of used and antique books, the Jimbocho Book Festival hosts almost entirely publishers selling new releases. And they’re not just run-of-the-mill volumes, either. Publishers will often sell signed copies limited edition bookmarks and book covers to go with the books. It adds a unique appeal to the festival and a reason to flock there rather than trudging off to the same old bookstore as always. Who doesn’t succumb to a shiny, collectible gimmick every now and then?

Books aren’t all that you can find here. The festival only lasts over the weekend, but it makes the absolute most of the little time it has, stuffing the weekend full of performances featuring local elementary schools, nearby universities, and even, on occasion, celebrities. Expect to hear and see loads of instrumental mini-concerts and marching bands, plus live dance and comedy shows.

The Jimbocho Book Festival is definitely a lot more showy than its Used Book counterpart, but each has its own strong point that makes both worthwhile events to attend.

When & Where to Get That Book Fix

The Jimbocho Book Festival usually takes place on the last weekend of October. For 2024, that means October 26-27. It takes place along Kanda-Suzuran Street, which runs parallel to Yasukuni just a couple of streets south and also occupies an open space around the Jimbocho Mitsui Building.

The Kanda Used Book Festival, on the other hand, starts on Friday around the same time and lasts at least a week. This year, it’ll be a week and a half, starting October 25th and ending November 4th. As mentioned above, it’s held for a stretch of about 500 meters (or 0.3 miles) along Yasukuni Street.

Since Jimbocho Station exits right onto Yasukuni Street, walking to Kanda Used Book Festival is as easy as stepping out of the train station, and it’s not much farther to get to the Jimbocho Book Festival. The bus is also a possibility, but the train is definitely the easiest way to get there.

The post Literary Magic at Chiyoda’s Autumn Book Festivals appeared first on Magazine.

And then there are books that are somewhere in between. Books that are already written, woven out of the collective cultural fabric of the here and now, but which will not be read for a hundred years. This is what the Future Library in Oslo, Norway is all about – creating a sort of literary time capsule, preserving the works of great authors for generations to come.

If this sounds a little strange, you’re not alone. It seems counterintuitive to create books that no one alive today – or at least very few people – will ever read. So what exactly is going on here?

The Future Library Project

In Norwegian, it’s called the Framtidsbiblioteket. In English, it’s The Future Library. This is the name of a project that began nine years ago when Katie Paterson decided to do something remarkable.

Katie, an artist from across the North Sea in Scotland, wanted to create something that emphasized “time and longevity”, and reflected the human need for “hope and rituals”. To do this, she would bring together 100 books – one for each year in a century – and she would keep them locked away until the year 2114.

When this magical vault is unlocked, unseen works of 100 authors will be released to the world. Some will be fresh and new, works penned just a year or two before by still-living authors. Others will be the voices of writers who have long since left the world of the living behind. All of these works, all of these words, ideas, and images, will be released to readers at the same time. This is part of the magic of the project.

A Growing List of Incredible Authors

As of 2024, the Future Library is ten years old. So with nine decades left on the clock, which authors have already donated work to the project?

2014 – Margaret Atwood

The first author to feature in the project was Margaret Atwood, whose The Handmaid’s Tale made the Canadian author a worldwide sensation.

2015 – David Mitchell

Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas is a multi-award-winning work, and the English writer is a worthy addition to the library.

2016 – Sjón

Icelandic novelist Sjón is a celebrated author and poet, famed for works such as The Blue Fox, and The Whispering Muse.

2017 – Elif Shafak

An enormously prolific writer, Shafak has published work in her native Turkish and in English.

2018 – Han Kang

The Vegetarian disturbed and enthralled readers in equal measure back in 2016. The Korean novelist’s work was inducted into the library in 2018.

2019 – Karl Ove Knausgård

Hailing from Norway, Knausgård redefined the boundaries of the memoir form and is the Future Library’s first native donor.

2020 – Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong is a Vietnamese-American author who received significant acclaim for his novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous in 2019.

2022 – Judith Schalansky

Award-winning novelist Judith Schalansky is perhaps best known for her Atlas of Remote Islands but is among the most prolific authors writing in German today.

2023 – Valeria Luiselli

Valeria Luiselli, from Mexico, was recognized early in her career as one of the best young writers in the world. Donating a book to the Library is another significant milestone in her journey.

2024 – Tommy Orange

In August 2024, the Pulitzer-shortlisted Native American author Tommy Orange became the latest member of this exclusive club.

The Ethos of the Project

While the Future Library is certainly a standalone work in its own right, with its own merit, a look at the previous artworks of Katie Paterson provides some insight into the ethos and scope of the project.

Katie’s work includes a broadcast of the sound made by a melting glacier, a map of dead stars, a collection of images from the deepest parts of the universe, and a lightbulb that simulates moonlight. This is an artist who is tuned in to the delicate wonder of humanity and the universe, simultaneously understanding the lasting beauty, and fragile impermanence of our experience in the world. The Future Library is a fitting addition to Katie’s startling oeuvre.

Looking Forward to a Century of Great Literature

By challenging us to think beyond the spans of our own lifetimes and consider our position in the unfolding journey of humanity and culture, the Future Library offers a unique opportunity. With ten incredible authors already onboard, this is proving to be a fascinating, valuable, vital literary project.

When we consider that many of the authors who will feature in the library have not yet even been born, the magnitude of this endeavor becomes clear. It’s a pity that most of us, probably all of us, will never read these works, but in many ways that does not matter – they exist, and we exist, and that’s enough.

The post The Library Collecting the Books of Tomorrow appeared first on Magazine.

Every October, National Book Month returns to the US to celebrate reading, literacy, and a shared love for books. Created by the National Book Foundation in 2003, this month-long event encourages readers to discover new authors, show love for old favorites, and generally participate in book fairs and reading activities across the country — indeed a celebration of all things books!

Whether you’re in the US or elsewhere, National Book Month is a perfect opportunity to celebrate your passion for books in your own way. Let’s explore how you can join in.

1. Pick Up a New Book

It may sound like a no-brainer, but the first thing to do to celebrate National Book Month should be… pick up a new book. Perhaps challenge yourself with something you wouldn’t normally read or try a brand new author.

2. Visit Your Local Library or Bookstore

If your local library or bookstore is celebrating National Book Month, even better! See what events they have lined up for October, and join some author readings, book signings, or other events. If your local reading hotspots don’t have events in October, don’t despair. Show them some love anyway by picking up a new book (or ten) and reading some authors you’ve been wanting to try.

3. Join or Start a Book Club

Personally speaking, I’ve often found book clubs intimidating. I generally want to read what I like and take my time. On the other hand, there’s nothing quite like a bookish friend, and what better place to find those than a book club?

If, like me, you find book clubs a little unnerving at times, try starting your own. Choose a group of people you really want to read with, such as friends, family, or even co-workers, and pick a genre or genres that suits you.

4. Host a Book Swap

Book swaps are a great way to discover new reads without buying more books. They’re also fantastic for swapping favorites and having chats about why you like them so much. There’s nothing quite like introducing a friend to a favorite author to find they love them too. So why not host a book swap at your home, get everyone to bring some wine and cheese and their favorite reads, and enjoy.

5. Read Aloud to Children

This is, of course, easily done if you have kids of your own. However, you can also read to nieces and nephews or volunteer at your local school or nursery. Kids have great imaginations and love getting absorbed in exciting stories. You never know, you might inspire the next generation of young readers. Top tip: Another great place to share your love for reading could be your local care home. Many elderly people struggle with their sight and would love someone to read to them.

6. Attend a Literary Event

Another great way to celebrate National Book Month is to explore local literary events. Many cities host literary festivals, book fairs, and other reading-related events.

Why not see what’s happening near you and go with some friends or family? You may be able to meet some favorite authors or find new and exciting books to love.

7. Support Local Authors

Look up some local authors or writing groups and immerse yourself in their books. There’s nothing quite like discovering a brand new author when they’re still ‘fresh’, and following their career. Supporting authors by buying their work and engaging with them on social media is one of the best ways you can encourage the craft.

8. Try Your Hand at Writing Something

Lover of books and reading? Why don’t you use this National Book Month to write something yourself? NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is technically in November, but you could do a practice round in October and see where you land. Who knows, perhaps you’re the next big writer you’re looking for.

9. Write a Book Review

Another great way to support authors you love is by sharing that love. What do I mean by that? Write some reviews online and share your praises on social media.

Writing books can feel like fairly thankless work in the beginning. Unless you’re already a famous author or a publisher commissions you to work for them, your earnings won’t be huge at all. Having people share your work and tell others all about why they should read it is the best boost for authors. You may just help them make a career out of writing and create more books you love.

10. Share Your Favorite Books

You may already be shouting about your favorite reads to anyone willing to listen. Regardless, make it your mission to talk even more about your most-loved books this October. A book you’ve devoured and enjoyed may well be a life-changer for the next person, too. Whatever you do, this National Book Month, make sure you spend lots of time talking about books, reading books, and loving books. Easy, right?

The post 10 Ways You Can Celebrate National Book Month appeared first on Magazine.

That’s Dr. Max Dow, to you. Max Dow, a once feral kitten, has been granted an honorary PhD from Vermont State University Castleton. After making a name for himself around campus for the last five years, Max has become a staple on the grounds and a famously friendly mascot for the school. He is beloved by students and faculty alike — so much so, the university bestowed an honorary doctorate of ‘litter-ature’ to him at this year’s commencement ceremonies. 

Max’s Humble Beginning

Much like many other great scholars, Max’s life started with humble beginnings. He was living on the streets of a neighboring city in Vermont as a feral kitten before being adopted by his loving family and owner, Ashley Dow. Dow and her family live in a neighborhood shared with Vermont State University Castleton and about a year after moving into his new home, Max began to explore the campus for the first time. 

In an interview with USA Today, Ashley Dow shares the first memories of Max making his way to campus. She and her family were worried when he hadn’t returned home. They went searching for Max and quickly found that he was exploring the university and was familiarizing himself with curious students and staff. 

Students Who Care For Max

Max is well taken care of by students, much to the relief of his owner. Students have been responsible for looking out for Max’s well-being and regularly check in with his owners about his health and safety. Many residents on campus have Dow’s number and will send her update texts when Max is seen or is being cared for by a student or faculty member. After a run with some not-so-friendly stray cats in the neighborhood, Max was injured.

In response, Dow asked the school’s faculty and students to be vigilant about returning Max home by 5:00 PM so his family could keep an eye on him during the night. She shared that everyone has complied with her request on numerous occasions and goes out of their way to make sure he is looked out for when he’s around campus.

When Max wasn’t seen at school for an extended period of time, many students worried that Max had not recovered from the injuries. A makeshift memorial was created on campus and many students left notes and gifts in Max’s honor. Residents of the university grieved in earnest for Max for several days.

Of course, Max did show back up on campus sometime later, much to the student’s joy and amusement. His family confirmed that his absence was actually due to his confusion around school breaks and when he should be visiting campus and not because of any injuries sustained during his street fight. 

Life As A College Student

Max has benefited from the many perks of being a ‘student’ on campus. According to Vermont State University, Max can be seen hitching rides across school grounds in students’ backpacks and has even been the artistic muse and subject of many photography major projects.

During school breaks, Max enjoys his own sort of vacation. He has learned to expect pauses in student schedules and, after a little adjustment period, learned to not visit the school during summer and winter breaks. His owners say that he misses the students as much as they miss him during their time away from class. 

It’s not all play for Max, though. He also serves as an emotional support animal for students and is an honorary mascot. The school recognizes the value and joy he brings to campus for any and all visitors. All in a day’s work for the good doctor.

A Newly Minted Degree

After five years of dedication to Vermont State University and its students, the school decided it was time for Max to earn his degree. During the Spring 2024 commencement, Max was celebrated and met with applause when he earned his doctorate in “Litter-ature” alongside over 1,000 other students. 

Max did not actually walk in the graduation ceremony, but did arrive on campus that weekend and celebrated with his fellow graduates through photos and social media posts. He received his diploma in the mail with all the official makings of a doctoral certificate. Max is also officially listed as a staff member in the VTSU Directory, where he has a staff profile sharing his wisdom for incoming students and displaying the expertise he brings to the school.

The post Max The Campus Cat Earns Doctorate In ‘Litter-ature’ appeared first on Magazine.

To know about the library, you first need a little backstory on the mall it’s in. Starfield COEX is part of a chain of mega malls built by Shinsegae Property. Not only is it partially underground with two basement levels, it’s actually the biggest underground mall in the world. It took three years to build and first opened its doors in the year 2000.

In the year 2017, they added the Starfield Library to the upper basement level, B1, and the first floor. Turns out to have been a good business move on Shinsegae’s part, too, since the library is a veritable magnet for tourists, book lovers, and pretty much anyone who enjoys a bit of architectural eye candy.

Wide, Open Spaces for Stretching That Brain Muscle

One of the great things about its spacious layout is that it gives you a chance to bask in the grandeur of the massive, tower-like bookcases. The biggest one is 13 meters tall, or nearly 43 feet, next to a conveniently placed escalator so you can snag some books on your way down.

Speaking of books, it has tens of thousands to choose from, plus 400 different types of magazines – and yes, there is a very healthy selection in foreign languages, so you don’t have to worry about being left out. As for how to reach some of them… your guess is as good as mine. Oversized ladders? Drones? Just kidding. Most of those books way out of reach are fake. If you look closely, you can even see a few duplicates. And thanks to a healthy archive of ebooks and iPads, any book you can’t physically reach, you can pull up in digital form.

A Gathering Spot for Cultural Events

As eye-catching as the giant bookcases are, the true selling point of this library lies in the frequent cultural events that it hosts. One day, you might walk in on an opera singer’s performance, and on another day, a poetry recital. The library always has something going on, including elaborate art projects that change seasonally.

That’s the true draw of this place. Starfield Library isn’t just an Instagrammable book collection or a cheap tourist attraction, it’s a community center. Now, granted, all that noise and hubbub (and the fact that it’s in the middle of a mall) means it’s not the best place for a nice, quiet read. But I think most people who visit are looking for something of a spectacle – and they definitely won’t be disappointed.

Ever-Changing Centerpieces

Remember the art projects I mentioned? They’re placed right in the center of the floor, and they’re the reason why no two shots of the Starfield Library are ever the same. In winter, they stick to a holiday theme with a giant Christmas tree-shaped frame wrapped in sparkling lights. In the past, they’ve also put up a miniature artificial garden, and another time, a giant, iridescent cylinder. It’s never boring, and promises a real treat for the eyes whenever you visit.

I also like how they dim the lights at night. It makes for a calm, peaceful atmosphere, which is great after a long day. Too often, malls have bright lights blaring no matter how late it gets, so it’s nice that the library offers a little change of pace.

Some Bites Between Books

If you need to charge up between book binges, there are quite a few cafés nearby. No surprise that the very closest one is a Starbucks, smack dab in the middle of the library. But if you’re looking for a change of pace, there are two different coffee shops, %Arabica and Billyangel, on the second floor of the library. There’s also a Teuscher Chocolate Lounge, but I couldn’t find out much about it; pretty sure it’s not a café, just a place to buy chocolates.

Also, a nearby breakfast joint called Eggslut comes very highly recommended, so if you need something more substantial than caffeine and pastries, that might be a good place to start.

Plan Your Visit

The Starfield Library is set right inside the Starfield COEX Mall in the Gangnam District of Seoul. There are lots of different routes you can take to get there, both by bus and metro, since it’s sandwiched between two different stations and has bus stops peppered all around.

If you’re taking the metro, you’ll want to either go to Bongeunsa Station and leave from Exit 7, or go to Samseong Station and leave from Exits 5 or 6. Whichever you choose, you’ll end up on COEX Mall’s doorstep. (Unless you take a wrong turn from Samseong. COEX and the Hyundai Trade Center are connected, so it’s an easy mistake.)

The library is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Address: B1-1F of Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

The post The Iconic Starfield Library in Seoul appeared first on Magazine.

You can think of Starfield Suwon Library as a kind of sequel to the famous library at COEX Mall. And I don’t mean a sequel that turns out to be a disappointing snoozefest, but one of those rare gems that are even better than the original. That’s Starfield Suwon in a nutshell: bigger, more daring, and more fantastical than you could’ve imagined.

One of the first things to know about where this library comes from is that all the Starfield Libraries are part of the Starfield Malls, a chain of mega malls in South Korea developed by Shinsegae Property. After the flood of attention – both local and international – their two-story library at Starfield COEX Mall got, they decided to one-up themselves with their newest mall in Suwon.

The other thing to know is they only opened in January 2024, so this library is still fresh off the grill. And as you’d expect from something “bigger and better” than the original, it’s twice the size of its COEX counterpart, taking up four floors.

Cubic Style in Outer Space

Whereas the library at COEX Mall is mostly just a really spacious library with massive, rounded bookcases, Suwon’s style is distinctly cubic with a much more artistic bent. Its shelves have solid, geometric angles and make a regular, zigzag pattern along the walls.

Hanging from the glass ceiling is an enormous display of brightly painted planets. It’s a fitting tribute to the library’s name and helps pull you into the illusion that you are, indeed, taking a stroll through a field of stars. (At least, if the planets were tiny and centered in one spot above you – but still.)

‍More Than Just Paper – A Massive Catalog from Ebooks to Vinyls

It’s pretty common nowadays for libraries to have more than just paper-and-ink books in their catalog. So, I’m sure it’ll surprise no one that Starfield Suwon offers a huge variety of magazines, ereaders packed with ebooks, and newspapers, all of which you can read for free. Most, as you’d expect, are in Korean, but you can still find options in other languages.

The real surprise is having vinyl records that you can listen to – but in all fairness, the vinyls aren’t technically part of the library. Situated next to the library on the 5th floor is a vinyl-themed coffee shop. It offers a crystal clear view of the library’s expansive bookshelves, so even though you’re not in the library anymore, it certainly feels like you are.

For 18,500 won (about 14USD or 21AUD), you get a whole experience: a drink of your choice, a pair of headphones, access to one of many record players, and more vinyl records than you can shake a stick at. I’d honestly say it’s worth it for any music lover, just for the experience of getting to listen to an authentic vinyl record.

Enjoying the View from Inside a Bookcase

While there aren’t any places to buy food inside the library, there are several cafés that give you a picture-perfect view into the library. It makes for a great backdrop when sipping your favorite cup of coffee or tea. I’ve already mentioned Vinyl and its music collection, but there’s also Imi Coffee on the 7th floor, known for its top-notch coffee and gorgeous, trendy deserts. Or you can ease yourself into the familiar at the Starbucks on the 6th floor.

Bonus for Dog Lovers

Fun fact: this library (and the mall as a whole) is dog-friendly. They even offer dog strollers for patrons who are interested. You do have to keep your pet on a leash, but considering how pet-avoidant most book places are, it’s a pleasant surprise. There’s even something of a dog park on the roof of the mall called the Star Garden. It comes complete with eating areas in case you’d like to chow down while your pet runs wild and free.

Plan Your Visit

The library is located in Suwon, which is an hour out from Seoul. To get there, simply take the Seoul Metro Line 1 to Hwaseo Station. Take the northeast exit (either Exit 2 or 4). Starfield Suwon is catty-corner to the station, so all you hav e to do from there is cross the intersection to reach your destination.

Within the mall itself, the library is smack-dab in the middle. It’s also on multiple floors, but I’d suggest entering from the 4th floor to start. That way, you can get the full impact of its space and unique design all at once.

Address: 4th-7th floors of Starfield Suwon, 175 Suseong-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi, South Korea

The library is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

While the library isn’t much of a “destination” itself (it is a library, after all, not a theme park), the fact that it’s inside a mall makes it an easy place to drop by on your way to shopping or any one of many entertainment hot spots.

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Word on the Water first opened in 2011 and regularly changed its location along Regent’s Canal in London. Thanks to canal rules at the time, the floating bookstore had to move every two weeks.

Its unique selling point was that it was a bookshop inside of a 100-year-old Dutch barge – Dianti. However, having to regularly move wasn’t the best for customer satisfaction, so in 2014 the owners applied for a permanent mooring. As of 2015, a permanent mooring was granted in the King’s Cross area.

The idea for a bookbarge came about when two of the founders moored their houseboats near the Dianti and offered to buy it. The owner of the barge then became a business partner, and Word on the Water was born!

In the early days, the floating bookbarge almost sank after a faulty valve flooded the boat. Thankfully, it was saved and repaired, now serving you as the beautiful bookstore you can see today.

Today and Why you must visit it

Today, Word on the Water can be found permanently moored on Regent’s Canal at Granary Square, King’s Cross. In 2022, the barge was refurbished and expanded to add more space.

It’s become known as one of the best bookshops in the world and a must-visit for any bibliophile. But as well as being home to a beautiful collection of books, Word on the Water also regularly hosts live music and poetry events.

Its permanent location near Coal Drop’s Yard and the extensively redeveloped King’s Cross area has cemented it as a quirky, must-visit location for Londoners and tourists alike, with an abundance of things to do in the area.

The unique bookstore has seen a rise in popularity thanks to social media, with TikTok videos showing the barge as one of the quirkiest bookshops in the UK. Its permanent location has now allowed for repeat visits from both locals and tourists.

Book in Every Corner

Every possible corner of the barge has been utilised so you’ll find a display of books packed into every nook and cranny. While the initial array of books on offer on the outside of the barge is what will capture your attention as you wander down the canal, it’s the cosy interior that will make you want to stay.

Decorated with curious knick-knacks, comfy chairs, and a warming stove, Word on the Water wants you to stay for a while and lose yourself in a world of beautiful books. And what a selection of books they have on offer too, from the Timeless Classic Editions of books that changed the world of women’s literature to children’s stories and hard-to-find second-hand wonders.

Don’t be surprised if you have a furry visitor joining you either, Word on the Water has regularly shared photos on social media of cats and dogs enjoying their beautiful barge too.

‍A Venue with a Difference

But it’s not just books that this floating bookshop is known for. Word on the Water has become one of the best venues in the area for hosting inspiring talks on everything from art to history and feminism to politics.

If it’s something a little more light-hearted that you’re after, then the barge’s roof is regularly used as a stage for open-mic nights and even the occasional poetry slam! And what a beautiful venue it is, too.

By night, you can find the barge adorned with fairy lights, and the bright lights of King’s Cross twinkle in the background. Word on the Water regularly shares their events on their social media pages, so you can keep up to date with what is happening.

Plan Your Visit

Visiting Word on the Water couldn’t be easier. The book barge is located just a 5-minute walk from London’s King’s Cross train station and underground. The barge can be found just past the Lighterman restaurant on the Regent’s Canal towpath at Granary Square. For an exact location, follow this address: Regent’s Canal Towpath, London, N1C 4LW.

Word on the Water is open every day from midday to 7 p.m. except on Christmas Day, meaning you can get your book fix on this quirky barge all year round. To find out about events held on the barge, be sure to follow along on Facebook.

In the area, you will find many other unique stores that fit with the arty vibe of Word on the Water. Hato Store is a Japanese-inspired lifestyle store that has a range of books alongside other curated collections designed to make shoppers think differently. Honest Jons is a record store specialising in hard-to-find records, books, and specialist magazines.

The post London’s Floating Bookstore appeared first on Magazine.

Initially built as a theatre in 1903, the striking building now known as El Ateneo Grand Splendid opened its doors in 1919. Soon after it began operations, the Grand Splendid Theatre became a temple of the performing arts, showcasing Buenos Aires’ rich culture. Renowned for hosting opera, ballet, and tango performances, this historical building once welcomed them all.

Architects Peró and Torres Armengol made it possible for all grand designs to come to life, evoking the opulence of European theatres of the time. From its ornate balconies to the spectacular domes decorated with frescoes and red velvet curtains that precisely frame the stage, everything looks so magical! 

Over the years, the Grand Splendid underwent various transformations. In 1929, the theatre became one of the first sound cinemas in Buenos Aires. The building also hosted some of the best films that captivated audiences across the world.

Later, in 2000, the Grand Splendid Theatre was restored and reimagined, becoming the magnificent bookstore we know today as El Ateneo Grand Splendid.

A Literary Sanctuary in the Heart of Buenos Aires

As you set foot in El Ateneo, you will immerse yourself in the exquisite architectural designs and a world of books. That’s more than certain! The former theatre has been transformed into cosy reading nooks for everyone. Theatre boxes have been converted into welcoming reading hideaways, allowing you to lose track of time as you explore thousands of literary works.

With a collection of more than 120,000 books covering a wide variety of genres and topics, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is truly a paradise on earth for book lovers. From literary classics to contemporary works, almost everything you need to satisfy your literary cravings is here.

The former stage has also been transformed into an elegant cafe, inviting hundreds of visitors, including yourself, to pause and take a moment to relax, enjoy sipping a cup of coffee, and take a bite of mouth-watering cake while enjoying reading your favourite book.

An Unforgettable Personal Experience…

Being able to talk and share my personal experiences about this grand place, I felt so honoured. I know it’s impossible to do justice to describing the beauty of El Ateneo Grand Splendid through words, but it’s worth a try! 

As a lifelong book and history enthusiast, visiting this majestic bookstore was truly a dream come true for me. It felt so surreal, to be honest! The moment I set foot inside, I was so mesmerised by its beauty and felt warmth in the atmosphere it permeated.

While I was walking through the aisles filled with thousands of books, sniffing the scent of aged paper filling the air, and sitting in the old theatre boxes turned into reading nooks, everything was a magical experience. I felt like I was inside the book I was reading. It’s now one of the places that I will cherish in my memory forever. And I do wish that more people would too!

Plan Your Visit 

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you want to explore the bookstore without much of a crowd, June is the best time to visit. This month is historically the quietest, making it the perfect time to enjoy exploring! On the other hand, January, February, and October are the most popular months to visit El Ateneo, so expect the bookstore to be at its busiest.

The two easiest ways to get to El Ateneo Grand Splendid are by bus or subway. For bus, there are several stops nearest to the intersection of Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Callao; just take lines 12, 37, 39, 17, or 124. For subway, take Line D (green line) and get off at the ‘Callao’ station. From there, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is just a short walk away, approximately 500 metres along Avenida Santa Fe. As you exit the station, head southeast on Avenida Callao towards Avenida Santa Fe, turn right onto Avenida Santa Fe, and you will find El Ateneo on your right. You can’t miss it!

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Address: Av. Santa Fe 1860, C1123 CABA, Argentina

Website: The Ateneo Grand Splendid

Phone: +54 11 4813-6052

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Opening Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9am – 10pm

Friday-Saturday: 9.00am – midnight

Sunday: 12 noon – 10pm 


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