Rehal

About three years ago, I ever read a short blog entry written by an Indonesian mother asking about comfortability inside bookstores in Indonesia, our own country. She mentioned an example about benches or chairs that were provided in almost all major bookstores in foreign countries.

Actually I was reminded by several cases that visitors in bookstores not only have no chairs for sitting, but also asked to “always stand” between bookshelves’ alleys. No squatting. At that time I frequently visited Scholtens Wristers*) in Groningen, The Netherlands – major bookstore there — which was ready with a set of chairs and table on several corners. Why not in Indonesia? I asked myself.

Not anymore for nowadays.

First I looked at Gramedia bookstore in Bandung. They reorganized layout of their store and provided some benches for visitors to get relax.

Last saturday, 3 March, I had an opportunity to visit Toko Gunung Agung, also one major bookstore in Indonesia, located in Cihampelas Walk, Bandung, West Java. I looked around and met several benches on some corners. To appreciate their efforts, I asked store manager for a permission to write about this facility. Thanks to Dian Sundjana, Branch Manager of Gunung Agung’s Cihampelas Walk store, who kindly welcomed my plan and accompanied me to walk around that large bookstore. I took several pictures with my pocket camera and saw people using those benches mostly to take a rest.

To my surpsise, Gunung Agung on Cihampelas Walk also has a special corner for children. Sorrounding by children bookshelves, it has colorful mat, chair and tables, and some toys. This is very interesting decision to both giving children a nice situation in bookstore and introducing them to children books in special manners.

Salute to Toko Gunung Agung.