I had always wanted to visit the EP Books bookstore, which was opened by Dai Sheng-yi, the founder of Wowprime Group, but I never had the time. This afternoon, while I was dropping something off for a friend, I also made my EP Books visit. It really is a place with character. It isn’t a bookstore, because it doesn’t sell books. It isn’t quite a café either, because it’s as quiet as a library. I had assumed it would be a café full of people working on laptops, and that the “book” in the name was just marketing. But once I got there, I found out that what it sells is neither books, nor drinks, nor space, but reading! So this is what EP Books is all about.
EP Books is a comfortable space designed for reading. For just NT$100, you can stay all day. Even if you step out for lunch, you can come back in with your receipt. You can bring your own books, and there are plenty of classics on the shelves, covering everything from photography and travel to geography and history. EP Books offers unlimited coffee, smoothies, and hot tea, so you have a comfortable place to read. I think this is the philosophy of EP Books! In a big city, it’s rare to find such a relaxed corner for easy reading. Libraries are good places with rich collections, but honestly they aren’t very comfortable, and just thinking about libraries makes me feel a bit stressed. That’s because in the past, I went to libraries not to read, but to study for exams (lol).
Keep in mind that EP Books closes at 7 p.m.!
Because EP Books is designed for reading, there is no WiFi and no power outlets. Of course, they won’t stop you from using a computer, but keep an eye on your battery. And please speak softly here. After all, this isn’t a café, it’s a place for reading.
“Put away your electronic devices with us, and enjoy the pure joy of reading.” This is the slogan of EP Books, and I really love that line!
EP Books has very comfortable tables and chairs, with both high stools and regular seating. There seem to be over a hundred seats. According to online descriptions, when crowds build up, they activate a queuing system to keep the space peaceful. But on Saturday afternoon, which should be the busiest time, I didn’t see the system in operation. I was also glad that such a wonderful place hasn’t become a tourist pilgrimage site, which was actually my biggest worry before I set out. After all, having to queue just to find a place to relax would be a real buzzkill.
Before you leave, don’t forget to put your cup in the recycling area next to the restroom. Honestly, it took me a while to find that recycling area, haha.
As someone who loves reading, I’m incredibly grateful to Chairman Dai for running a space like this, and I hope it keeps going for a long time. In the city, there are very few bookstores like this one, somewhere between a café and a library.