The Kampala Bookshop That Warmed My Heart

The first thing that hits you hard when you walk into Aristoc Booklex in Acacia Mall Kampala is the sharp smell of new books. Sharper than I’ve experienced in a bookshop. Then you notice that there are books. Books everywhere. Not so neatly arranged that you fear touching them, or wrapped in polythene as many bookshops do. No. The books are arranged in all sorts of ways that may appear disorganized to some, but this is inviting to me, because I’m then not afraid that I might disarrange them.

The second thing that strikes you is the absence of attendants walking around, eyeing customers suspiciously, something many book stores are known for. Save for the cashier, I at first did not see a single attendant. I saw them later, one at a computer, he helps customers search for books, and the rest discreetly positioned at different sections of the bookshop.

The place is big and spacious.

As I was wandering about, I noticed places to sit. At first I hesitated. Then I picked a book from the shelf, sat down, opened it and waited to be told that this isn’t what the seats are for. Or that I should not be reading a book I am yet to buy. No one asked me anything.

Then I stood up and walked around some more, noticing more seats, some with children reading story books.

Genuinely puzzled, I tweeted it.

I then decided to find someone to explain this to me, and that’s when I noticed the young man in front of the computer. He was friendly.

When I asked about the seats, he assumed I was asking for permission (which I guess I was), and he told me, “You’re welcome to sit anywhere and read for as long as you want”. That’s when I told him I’m from Nairobi, and their model had fascinated me. He then opened a bit more about their business.

Aristoc Booklex has been in the books business in Kampala for over 20 years (he said close to 25). Owned by a Ugandan lady, it has over 3 branches, two of which have sitting areas.

Why do they allow people to sit and read books they haven’t bought?

They believe that people who are interested in reading books eventually buy them. The readers may not buy it this time, but they will buy at some point in the future.

How heartwarming! In a world where customers are treated with disdain, suspicion and at best indifference, it is lovely to encounter a business that values and treats both its prospective and actual customers with love and dignity.

After reading for an hour, I left with two books, their model works.