BookXcess has unveiled its most ambitious venture yet — The Library by BookXcess at Sunway Square Mall, Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. At 38,000 square feet, this stunning space is now officially the largest 24-hour bookstore in Southeast Asia.

The launch was nothing short of historic. Around 2,000 book lovers turned up for the midnight opening on 10 December 10, exploring two maze-like floors of towering shelves, nearly 1km of walkways, and quiet nooks designed for studying, working, or simply settling in with a book.

Image Credit: BookXcess

A space that stops you in your tracks

The Library isn’t just big, it’s breathtaking. Rising over two levels, the design pays homage to Sunway City’s tin-mining heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. Expect floor-to-ceiling shelves, a striking mezzanine, and architectural sculptures called “Cones” that symbolically link past and present.

Image Credit: BookXcess

Art lovers will appreciate the Instagram-worthy details: Flying Books suspended from the ceiling and Whale Fall, a dramatic installation by Malaysian artist CO2 crafted from damaged books rescued and given new life. Even the playful pumpkin sculptures nod to Yayoi Kusama’s iconic style.

Organised into four main zones — Fiction, Non-fiction, Children, and Non-books — The Library is a space that invites discovery at every turn.

More than books

The Library is also a lifestyle destination. Visitors can enjoy artisanal pastries at Kenny Hills Bakers, shop for quality stationery at Becon, browse avant-garde fashion at FRAK/TURE, or recharge with a smoothie from Good Mojo. It’s a space to read, dine, create, and collaborate, any time of day or night.

BookXcess co-founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng call this flagship store a bold undertaking, but one they believe Malaysians are ready for.

Image Credit: BookXcess

“I think the timing is right, as many of us are overwhelmed with all the digitalisation taking over our lives, and I get the sense that a lot of people want to go back to analogue,” Yap said at the launch. 

“We actually have the proof right here, even though it’s 12:30 AM, it’s packed. Malaysians do want to read and they need a convenient, accessible space to do so – that’s what The Library is here for.”

Ng adds that Bandar Sunway was the natural choice: “There are several universities nearby and not nearly enough conducive spaces for students to study and work on assignments, so we hope The Library becomes that safe space for them.”

Beyond being a place for learning, Yap says the goal is to spark creativity, “We wanted to inspire curiosity and encourage people to read more, so we filled it with artworks, sculptures and installations that will spark that desire.”

With its doors open 24/7, The Library by BookXcess is poised to become Malaysia’s next cultural landmark, a hub for residents, tourists, students, and night owls alike.

Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter, hunting for your next great read, or simply looking for a space that feels alive, this is a destination worth visiting.

Featured Image Credit: BookXcess