This Malaysia Day, six independent bookshops join forces for a 'library card' project

Book lovers show off their 'MER[D]EKA' library cards as they make a stop at the Tintabudi bookshop in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Tintabudi

Here's something for book lovers and thrill seekers. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of the Amazing Race, now might be your chance ... minus the running.

Join a fun mapping project organised by six independent bookstores in the Klang Valley this Malaysia Day season, aptly called MER[D]EKA.

Just collect a MER[D]EKA library card (reminiscent of our school days) at your starting point and get it stamped at all six bookstores, which have banded together under the "Swadaya MY" initiative.

Complete different tasks at each checkpoint in this Stamp Hunting Quest and you might just win something special.

But hurry, the prize is on a first come, first serve basis.

The project, a first in the country, was inspired by the Independent Bookstore Day in the United States, an annual celebration of indie bookstores.

The project allows you to get to know the six indie bookstores in the Klang Valley, each unique in their own way. Photo: Handout

MER[D]EKA is a collaborative effort between KL-based indie bookstores Tintabudi and Nur Innai Bookshop and PJ-based indie bookstores Pelita Dhihin, The Bibliophile Bookshop, Gerakbudaya and Lit Books.

"MER[D]EKA is not just about visiting and buying books at the bookstore, ” says Pelita Dhihin’s general manager Ahmad Saifuddin Amran.

"It’s also a chance to get to know the six bookstores, each one is unique on their own in terms of titles and genres they carry, ” he adds.

“It’s also a way to establish a connection between independent bookstores. Every visit and purchase will somehow help these bookstores to sustain themselves in these pandemic times."

Other interesting activities will be rolled out throughout the duration of the project.

MER[D]EKA will run throughout this month.

More info here.