Book fair promises big treat for bookworms

THE Big Bad Wolf sale returns to Penang, offering over 500,000 books to be sold at discounts ranging from 75% to 95%.

Organised by BookXcess, the event runs from today until March 30 at Penang Times Square from 9am to 9pm daily.

On top of the attractive discounts, there will also be early bird specials for the first 1,000 customers in conjunction with the opening today, to be attended by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

BookXcess will also be introducing the Red Readerhood event where customers can purchase books to be donated to the Penang State Library.

The project will kick off with a combined donation of 1,000 books together with official event partner Hong Leong Bank.

Other new features of the sale include imported, non-book products such as limited edition memorabilia, book stools, tin-plated signage items, box sets and activity kits.

BookXcess managing director Andrew Yap said they had learned a lot about the reading habits of avid book lovers from last year’s event.

“Our goal this year is to reach out to 50,000 customers across all-income and ethnic backgrounds,” he pointed out.

According to him, the majority of the fans who came for the Big Bad Wolf sale last year were mature adults and expatriates who invested heavily in biographies and books on self-help, history, gardening, nature and recreation.

“The demand for affordable books has encouraged us to continue organising the Big Bad Wolf sale in various parts of Peninsula Malaysia.

“This year, we’re bringing some of the best-selling titles across all categories as a first step to nurturing a stronger reading culture among Malaysians, especially the young,” he said.

Hong Leong Bank credit card holders will enjoy additional 5% discounts.

Those who sign up for the credit cards also stand to receive exclusive gifts.