I read quickest when I'm at home but occasionally go to starbucks

Can I give my thoughts...

I like the idea in theory but recommend against charging per entry. Instead you should sell coffee/tea and pastries. You can make money via these sales instead.

I understand why you might worry about drinks spilling on the books but if you don't offer F&B, you're essentially a library. The best thing to do is to invest in magazines and second hand books. There's no point in buying new books as they'll get worn down petty quickly anyway; second hand books is the way as well as a bin/shelf for customers to donate books. Also, encourage your customers to practice Book Crossing (bookcrossing.com). So maybe keep a shelf empty for book crossers. This will also attract tourists who are hunting for books.

Above all though, the most important thing is LOCATION. The location needs to be:
Accessible area for tourists
Accessible by public transport (LRT or Monorail preferred)


The reason for the above --- tourists especially backpackers are avid readers. Public transport important for not just tourists but also good place to "stumble upon" your cafe and also good to avoid congestion in KL. Plus, easy for students without cars.

Also, make sure your food tastes good and don't sell anything with strong smells

Oh, and social media is your friend. Invite the SJ, USJ, PJ, etc book clubs to have a session at your joint.

My concern is that you might spend a lot of money buying new books that would eat into your profits.

It might be good to see how many people come in to read a book from the cafe or come in with their own book for the ambience (ambience is important). Hence why I suggested targeting book clubs as you wouldn't need to supply the books and they will make purchases of your F&B.

That would be my plan if I were you. And realise that your books will continue to grow as you gain customers. Many people from book clubs give away books regularly.

It's also a lot more fun to read where others are reading too. See someone reading a book you love? Strike up a conversation offer coffee. I'd sign up for sure.

the thought of having sand all over my precious books scare me :S

This has happened to me too many times.