In a first for Myanmar, the Yangon Book Plaza has opened on the fifth floor of Than Market (Chinatown) in Lanmadaw Township.
Book stalls, publishing houses, booths for famous writers, recreation centres and cafes are all part of the plaza, which was opened by Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, Yangon Region Chief Minister Phyo Min Thein and Yangon mayor Maung Maung Soe.
Included in the plaza are 22 book shops, two shops selling old books, a cafe, recreation places, a children’s stadium and a souvenir shop. There are also commemoration booths for famous deceased Myanmar writers such as Hanthawaddy Win Tin, Journal Kyaw Ma Ma Lay, Khin Hnin Yu, Ludu Daw Amar, Maung Chaw Nwe, Maung Thaw Ka, Min Lu, Min Thu Wun, Takkatho Phone Naing, Tin Moe, Zaw Gyi and Zaw Zaw Aung. These display their portraits, brief biographies and hand-written manuscripts.
“Yangon Book Plaza is the first of its kind, not only in Myanmar but also in Southeast Asia,” says proprietor Myay Hmone Lwin, who is a poet, fiction writer and translator. “It not only sells publications but provides other services including recreation places where books can be read free of charge. We even keep books on shelves in the restroom.”
He says the idea was initiated by writer Min Lu, who wanted to open a book supermarket. “His dream has now come true. We will hold literary talks here and invite schoolchildren.”
Writers Ma Thidar (Sangyoung), Maung Lin Yeik, Saw Wai and Thit Sar Ni recited poems at the opening ceremony.
