GEORGE TOWN: WITH a whopping 1.5 million books to choose from, book lovers will be impressed by the selection of titles.
Popular Book Co (M) Sdn Bhd has long been synonymous with mega fairs that have attracted massive crowds over the years.
Now in its fifth year, Popular’s Mega Bookfair at the Straits Quay Convention Centre is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors throughout the 11-day mega sale which ends on Sunday.
Popular, established in 1984, now has 79 stores nationwide, covering 65032 sq m of retail space and making it the largest bookstore chain nationwide.
Popular senior special products manager Helen Goh said the annual fair has been the most anticipated event here.
“Popular is also fostering a healthy reading culture and given the wide variety of books, we are confident that people of all ages will find something here that interests them.
“Books are for everyone and parents are encouraged to bring their children to inspire them to read as it will benefit to them in future,” she said at the launch, which was followed by a tour of the exhibition area.
She said the event was not just a book fair but a platform to bring in good authors each year and offer readers a variety of books. The fair also offers games and educational tools for children.
In conjunction with the book fair, Popular is partnering with Straits Quay to organise the Read-Love-Share Charity Bookcase campaign which supports the Vega Humanitarian Mission as well as five orphanages here. Vega’s mission is to travel to remote islands in Indonesia to provide people with educational needs and medical supplies.
“We hope customers will donate their used or unwanted books to the cause,” Goh said.
Customers who donate 10 books will each receive a voucher of appreciation.
In keeping with the Christmas spirit, 10 children from Persatuan Kebajikan Shammah were given vouchers to redeem books during a tour of the exhibition.
“We hope this outing will be educational and fun for the children,” Goh said.
Other exciting events at the fair include appearances by local and international celebrities and authors.
Malaysian celebrity chef, Datuk Redzuawan Ismail led a cooking marathon last Sunday to promote his new book 400 Resipi Terbaik Chef Wan.
Children were not left out as they participated in the Travel the World Colouring Competition and Stories by-the-Sea English Storytelling contest on Wednesday and Thursday.
There are daily specials corner where visitors can purchase second-hand books at 90 sen each, as well as a vinyl section with more than 300 records.
Those who apply for the new Popular card or renew their membership stand a chance to receive a RM30 voucher and blankets, cutlery sets and coasters.
Purchases of RM150 and above in a single receipt will entitle customers to vouchers worth RM20 while stocks last.
The book fair is open daily from 11am to 10pm. For details, visit www.popular.com.my.
