Peggy Wong, John and Yuen are retired but have found new joy in volunteering at the book shop. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Books for a Better World (BFBW) is more than a bookstore; it’s a community hub where seniors like Yvonne Yuen are finding renewed purpose while sharing a love for reading.
“We love to talk and laugh together,” says Yuen, 76, who volunteers twice a week at BFBW, finding camaraderie among her co-workers.
BFBW has around 30 volunteer retirees supporting its 12 outlets across popular spots like Amcorp Mall, Paradigm Mall, IPC and Avenue K. These volunteers handle a range of tasks, from customer assistance to book sorting and tagging, and community outreach, creating a welcoming, self-service bookstore environment that fosters trust and connection.
“I came across a volunteer notice about a year and a half ago, and thought, why not? It’s for a good cause, and I wasn’t doing much at home anyway,” says Yuen, a grandmother and retired civil servant.
Her friend and fellow volunteer, Shirley Susila John, 66, joined two years ago but had to step back due to illness.
“Now that I’m better, I’m back,” says John. “I just love reading and being around books. I don’t just work here – I’m also a regular customer!” she laughs.
John adds that, after retirement, many seniors find the quiet at home a stark contrast to the busy office environment. “Working at the bookstore is a nice change; you meet people who love books, and it gives us something to talk about,” says the former accounts assistant.
John volunteers at BFBW’s Amcorp Mall outlet, which is conveniently just two LRT stops from her home.
“Plus, I can do my groceries at the mall when I’m done,” she adds.
Ung has turned BFBW into a welcoming space that champions inclusivity.
Communal space
BFBW is more than a bookstore; it’s a sanctuary where generations connect over literature.
At the helm is Adrian Ung, 54, founder and CEO, who has turned BFBW into a welcoming space that champions inclusivity by engaging seniors as volunteers. This initiative provides meaningful roles to retirees, creating a store experience enriched with wisdom and warmth.
“When we started, the idea was simple – creating a place where everyone, no matter their age, could feel connected through books,” says Ung.
“Seniors bring an invaluable depth of kindness and experience to our team, creating an intergenerational dynamic that enhances the bookstore atmosphere. They add warmth to our bookstore, making it a welcoming place for people of all ages, and provide younger team members with insights and mentorship that they truly appreciate.”
BFBW’s semi-self-service model allows volunteers to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for customers. The inspiration for this approach came from a conversation Ung had with a senior customer who shared fond memories of her work in libraries and her love of books.
“Her words were a turning point,” says Ung. “It made me realise the impact we could create by giving people like her a space to stay engaged and share their passions.”
From there, Ung reached out to local senior organisations to find volunteers. Interest quickly grew, though accommodating older volunteers presented its own set of challenges.
“We had to ensure flexible schedules, a welcoming layout and a supportive atmosphere,” says Ung. “But any difficulties quickly faded as we saw the eagerness of the volunteers. They’ve been incredible and have adapted seamlessly.”
For now, scheduling is managed through a simple WhatsApp group, where volunteers arrange shifts based on their availability.
BFBW’s semi-self-service model allows volunteers to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for customers.
Life-enriching experiences
For many, volunteering at BFBW has been transformative. Lim Yew Looi, in her 60s, shares how the experience has enriched her life. “I’ve been volunteering since 2002 at homes, associations and temples. I joined BFBW in July 2022, and I really enjoy helping customers find books and seeing their happiness,” says Lim.
Working at a bookstore is unique for Lim. “Unlike other volunteer work, here I get to learn about different authors, especially in fiction. Regular customers become friends, and I also coordinate book donations to NGOs and community halls,” says Lim, who brings her background in accounting and company secretarial practice to her volunteering. She often assists customers in finding financial management and non-fiction books that align with her interests.
Working at BFBW also brings meaningful social interaction. “I see people of all ages here, from toddlers to the elderly. I feel happy when I see children’s smiles as they find their favourite books,” Lim adds. “These small moments brighten my day.”
Senior volunteers have brought an authentic warmth to the BFBW experience.
“They bring immense life experience, patience and empathy. They’re wonderful at engaging customers with genuine interest, and their storytelling skills bring history and context to the books they
discuss.”
Lim finds it equally rewarding to connect with younger customers. “Sometimes, elderly customers just want someone to chat with, not necessarily to buy a book. And for younger readers, if they’re buying books I’ve read, I’ll share insights with them. It’s meaningful,” she says.
Peggy Wong, one of the younger volunteers in her 50s, calls herself an “early retiree” and has been volunteering for two years now.
“When my father passed away, I wanted to donate his books and encyclopaedias. I found BFBW online, and when I visited, I asked if they needed volunteers since I had some time on my hands.”
Wong invited a friend who was on a career break, and together they volunteered at both the Paradigm and Amcorp Mall outlets.
“We loved reminiscing about our favourite books and authors; it triggered happy memories,” she says.
Wong has stayed on because she wants a purposeful retirement. Most often based at the 1 Mont Kiara outlet these days, she enjoys visiting different other outlets whenever she can, assisting customers and curating book displays to find homes for the right books.
By involving seniors and fostering mutual respect, BFBW seeks to bridge age, background and experience.
Lasting impact
The presence of senior volunteers has undoubtedly enriched the atmosphere at BFBW.
“The seniors have taught us about resilience, kindness and the importance of human connection,” reflects Ung. “Their influence has brought our team closer and deepened our understanding
of what it means to foster an inclusive space.”
BFBW embodies a philosophy that goes beyond commerce, aiming to create a space where connections flourish. By involving seniors and fostering mutual respect, BFBW seeks to bridge age, background and experience.
“For many of them, volunteering here offers a sense of purpose and an opportunity to stay connected with others,” Ung adds. “It helps them remain mentally active, make new friends, and contribute to something they find meaningful. Many share how much they enjoy being part of a community-focused environment and the joy of interacting with fellow book lovers.”
Each senior volunteer brings unique strengths, illustrating that the true power of books lies not only in words on the page but in the hands and hearts of those who share them.
If you’d like to volunteer at BFBW or donate books, go to www.bfbwsb.com for more information.
