A Bibliophile's Dream

Hi folks!

Every book lover has his or her own dreams. Whether it to be a famous author or have a huge library, there will always be something or some things a bibliophile will dream of doing or being.

For my Bookish Thoughts and Feels, I would like to share with you the things I want to do in the future as a book lover.

Bookstore/Library and a Coffee Shop
First dream I want to be able to do in the very near future is to have my own bookstore/library and coffee shop. I want to be able to share my love for books by providing fellow bibliophiles a place where they can buy or borrow books while sipping their favorite cup of coffee or tea and while munching on a delicious pastry. I want it to be a haven for book lovers, where everyone will feel at home.


I am yet to plan the layout of my bookish place but I want to have different rooms for when people want a quiet place to read or study, and a big room where friends can talk and enjoy each others company. I want a very relaxing ambiance where even non-readers will be tempted to dive in the crazy yet beautiful world of books.

I really, really want for this to happen. I just need to have a very good business plan and a business partner! Haha!

Visit Bookstores and Libraries
We don't have a lot of bookstores here in the Philippines. We have the big ones but in essence every branch of a particular bookstore is the same. We don't have a lot of independent bookstores either. And our library system is far different from other countries.

Thus, I want to visit as much, if not all, bookstores and libraries as I can not only here in the Philippines but also in other countries. Selexyz Bookstore, The Last Bookstore, Shakespeare & Company and Atlantis Books to name a few.

Shakespeare & Company, Paris, France (photo credit: Flavorwire)
I want to explore these places and learn their story. I want to be able to touch the books and shelves, to smell the environment, and of course, to buy books from them. :)

Library Project
We do not have a very good education system here in the Philippines. And it's a very sad truth. Most public schools do not even have a proper library. I want to change that.

I want to build a library, especially for the kids. To instill to them the importance of reading and how great it feels to read.

When I was in college, I was able to head a library project sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, Inc. I did a blog post here. :)

Photo from Aklat Mo, Sagot Ko Library Project of PROPharm
Of course, I'd need manpower and funds. A lot of funds actually. So for now, I will just stick to voluntary works if I can find one that deals with building a library. I have to smart somewhere, right?

Book Expo America/ BEA
BEA is one of the largest bookish events I know. An event with books, authors, book lovers, book bloggers and did I mention, books?

BEA (photo credit: Author One Stop)
Living in the Philippines, I obviously cannot just go there and participate. Unless, someone will buy me a two-way ticket plus a place to stay, then that would be more than nice. For now though, this will stay as a dream. Soon though. Soon.

Book Blogger
I want to be a successful blogger. Not necessarily famous, but successful. My objective in starting up my blog is to share my thoughts about books and reading to others. I want to be able to talk to people about the books I'm reading and those that I will read, the events I will go to and just about any other bookish things. I want to be able to interact with other book lovers and know their thoughts and recommendations.

I'm not entirely sure how I'm doing in that department, but I'm just doing my best here. :)

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I guess that's it folks! I'm really praying for these things to happen. What are your dreams as a bibliophile? I would love to hear them! :)