Interviews by Rui Pastorin
How are bookshops affected as fewer people read books? Two interviewees gave their perspectives to the Post in separate interviews, discussing how this shift has impacted them while highlighting the importance of not only books, but bookshops as important platforms.
An independent bookshop’s perspective
At 31 Rua de S. Roque, independent bookshop Júbilo 31 Books continues to sell a variety of publications, including picture books and local works, all while aiming to promote and encourage local creativity.
Book designer CK Chiwai Cheang, one of the owners, has a strong interest in art, picture books, and, most importantly, promoting Macau’s culture and its creatives. “I just want a space to continue promoting the city,” CK said, adding that he runs the bookshop through a mix of fun and passion.
However, as noted on its website, the business strives to survive despite average sales, with CK further noting during the interview that it mainly just breaks even.
He highlighted that money is one of the primary challenges in running an independent bookshop. Even though the district where the shop is located is seeing more tourists and locals, he noted: “Macau people don’t read. Just a few people visit,” all the while noting the small size of the market.
Regarding support, CK noted that a clear focus needs to be established on what should be targeted in the first place. While funding is important, emphasis must also be placed on fostering readers. From the independent local bookshop perspective, this also extends to supporting local creativity by giving attention to the publishing industry and supporting more local writers, he said.
If there are more writers, artists, and publishers alongside an interested market, bookshops will naturally have more local works to offer.
Nevertheless, CK acknowledged the reality that Macau has a “very small market.” Despite this truth, he believes it is vital to simply do what can be done and do it well. “I think that’s more important,” he said.
He also emphasised the value of independent bookshops: “Every city needs a kind of independent bookstore.” For him, such a venue serves as a platform for self-expression, encouraging people to read, create, and find inspiration. In his shop’s case, it provides a dedicated space to learn about Macau and its local culture – where creative works can convey vital messages and bring attention to key topics.
Books have their own ‘charisma’
Thomas is a book designer who also works at a separate local bookshop, a place where he still regularly sees local customers and tourists alike. While he noted that the shop continues to serve local readers, Thomas – who preferred not to give his full name – believes there has been a noticeable shift in how many people read for leisure. He pointed out that this might also be seen in the bookshop’s number of staff, which might have been double 20 years ago.
This shift might also have to do with the rise of technology and social media. However, Thomas said that there are people who still use the latter to promote books and reading. “I’m still glad to see that there are some people on social media who use the platform to talk about and recommend books, even some about local things”, noting that it helps garner interest.
In Macau, he acknowledged government efforts to promote a reading culture, particularly through initiatives like the “Books and the City” magazine and school events. “I can feel that the government has tried hard to do this… But I still think it’s a tough case. It’s really hard to push people to read books when you already have a phone in your hands.”
Looking ahead, Thomas said that there is a tough road ahead “especially in this economy”. He also highlighted how bookshops such as Eslite Bookstore chain in Hong Kong are still “very good”, noting a mix of the environment and reading culture where, despite not buying anything, people continue to read and browse. He said that the environment might be difficult to replicate in Macau given its small number of bookshops, along with limited events and networks, highlighting the importance of having a connection between bookshops and publishers, which the city lacks. “I think we still have a lot to do if we want the culture to be stronger”.
But while not being optimistic, Thomas still believes that books have their own “charisma” and have an important place in the world.
Owner of Júbilo 31 Books and book designer CK Chiwai Cheang, one of the interviewees, looks at some of the titles at his bookshop at 31 Rua de S. Roque. – Photo taken last week by Rui Pastorin
