Bookstores are cherished havens for book lovers, providing an escape into the world of literature and offering a serene ambiance that appeals to many.
The delightful scent of books is often considered therapeutic, and some even consider visiting bookstores a perfect activity for a date. However, the unfortunate truth is that not everyone treats books with the care and respect they deserve.
Photo via Facebook (Bukit Jalil Tsutaya Books)
TSUTAYA BOOKS, located in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, recently took to their Instagram page to address a growing concern: the damaging of their unwrapped books by irresponsible individuals. They expressed their disappointment at the need to wrap books in clear film due to this behavior, as their original vision was to have books neatly displayed, waiting to be explored, purchased, and taken to new homes.
As book lovers themselves, the staff at TSUTAYA BOOKS find it disheartening to witness the intentional damage inflicted on their books. Pages are ripped out, covers are torn, and even children's pop-up books are no longer "pop-up." The bookstore staff has diligently collected these damaged books, hoping for a change in the situation.
Their message to visitors is clear: they long for a return to the days when books could be freely displayed, without the need for plastic wrapping. They urge everyone to handle books with care and emphasize the importance of not defacing or damaging what does not belong to them. They express a desire for cooperation from patrons to restore the tradition of unwrapped books, not only at their store but in all bookstores and libraries as well.
The plea from TSUTAYA BOOKS serves as a reminder that books have feelings too. Each book represents hours of dedication from authors, illustrators, and publishers, and they deserve to be treated with respect. It is disheartening to realize that some individuals are willing to damage books for the sake of amusement, preventing others from fully enjoying the experience of flipping through the pages and immersing themselves in the stories.
“Wow, they don’t wrap their books.” “How refreshing to be able to flip through a book and take in the ‘new book smell’....
Posted by Bukit Jalil Tsutaya Books on Sunday, 4 June 2023
The call to action is clear: let us join forces to protect the books in bookstores and libraries, allowing them to be displayed freely and enticing readers with their inviting presence.
By treating books with care, we uphold their value and contribute to the preservation of literary culture.
