How we miss laidback places like The Nook Books & Coffee, a charming second-hand bookstore for bibliophiles to discover various titles over cups of coffee and slices of cake from Three Nomad cafe. True to its name, Nook Books & Coffee offers plenty of quiet corners to curl up with a book, whether it be a cosy chair surrounded by towering bookshelves or a cheerful courtyard dotted with potted plants. 

Follow @thenookbooksandcoffee on Instagram for updates on its reopening.  

4, Khoo Cheow Teong Court, Lorong Ikan, George Town | +6012-525 2762

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If you've strolled along the famous Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling street in George Town, Penang, you would have caught sight of Gerakbudaya's cheerful yellow storefront. Over the years, Gerakbudaya has built up a steady following of fans, and has become a well-known haven for the local arts community thanks to its dedicated creative space, Hikayat, which is also the site of its second bookstore specialising in non-fiction titles. We also love the fact that Gerakbudaya carries numerous titles solely on Penang and Southeast Asian studies.  

The Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling branch (pictured above) boasts a selection of fiction and poetry as well as rare titles from independent publishers.   

78, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town  |  226 Lebuh Pantai, George Town (non-fiction)   

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Niche publishing house Areca Books specialises in non-fiction books on social history, visual arts, architecture, cultural heritage. To date, it has published over 30 illustrious and award-winning titles. Areca Bookshop is located just next door to its publishing office in Lebuh Aceh, George Town.  

Count on Areca Books for vastly informative reads on issues and discussions that are relevant to Southeast Asian culture and identity. With the physical bookstore currently closed throughout MCO 3.0, online orders are more important than ever to help keep this local business on its feet.        

72 Lebuh Acheh, Penang | WhatsApp: +6016-555 1910

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