A reader’s haven
The ruckus of construction and unending traffic are typical of a day down Duplication Road, the array of offices and shops adding to the bustle. Snugly situated in the middle of all the hubbub is a cosy retreat for anyone who wants to take a minute to escape the rush. Offering the avid bookie a haven of sorts, Chapters bookstore provides an unusual yet interesting book buying experience.
Cozy: Comfortable couches take centre stage at the store
The brainchild of Sepali De Silva, the idea to open a bookstore was spontaneous, simply “spur of the moment” she admits. “I was seated with my English professor,” she recalls and entertained the idea of opening a bookstore like those she had seen abroad. Chapters initially opened its doors down Staples Street, Colombo 2 and buoyed by a growing fan base Sepali moved the store to Duplication Road.
In contrast to its larger contemporaries, Chapters though having limited space, has books ranging from interesting to almost unheard of. “We are very selective about the books we bring,” Sepali explains, carefully choosing the books herself along with those from the ‘frontline’ as is known in the publishing world.
Most of her staff enjoy browsing. The children’s section includes the obvious Ladybird and other classics while embracing newer and unusual publications. Her own children being avid readers helped her identify the sort of books she wanted Chapters to offer. “Most of the books include what I used to read to my son,” she smiles, while the colourful
Owner Sepali De Silva
shelves boast favourites such as the Paddington Bear books and a series of Dr. Seuss books among others.
The children’s section of the store is kept quite current. Initially selling books at schools Sepali has often recommended books to teachers along with audio books and the ever popular Brain Quest flashcards which she adds is a favourite among many a parent. Produced and published in the United States, Brain Quest includes both flashcards and workbooks which take children through an overall revision and learning experience touching on comprehension, grammar, math and general knowledge and are specially designed to cater to children of different ages and levels of understanding.
Sepali’s quest to give her readers new material takes her quite often to book fairs in Germany while most of the other books come from India, the United Kingdom and the United States. A graduate from the University of Colombo having pursued her degree in English, she cites Jane Austen as her personal favourite.
Relax and read:Customers can enjoy a ginger beer, hot coffee or milkshake at the bookstore
It takes a book lover to understand the mindset of another such kindred spirit. Maybe that’s why Sepali encourages her customers to relax with a book on one of the couches that occupy the centre stage of her store. Sepali’s attention to detail stretches beyond the books: there are quaint little loaves of wrapped up love cake that can be a personal addition to an interesting gift of a book.
Other little mementos include necklaces personalised according to books with little quotations added, ranging from authors such as Austen to the infinity pendants typical of the ever popular “The Fault in Our Stars”. “It’s here for book lovers,” she says, enjoying the warmth her customers bring to the store as they browse or just curl up on a settee and read. “Many old folk come as well,” she says, along with the younger people who spend many an afternoon reading.
Customers can even enjoy a ginger beer, hot coffee or milkshake with their read, the milkshakes; she adds, are a firm favourite. Chapters even caters to the online shopper keeping them up to date with the latest reads.
Chapters Book Store is at 40/1A Joseph Lane, Colombo 4(on Duplication Road).