Baci Lounge

A NEW CONCEPT IN BOOKSTORES LAUNCHES IN AUSTRALIA

"A book store is the only piece of evidence we have that people are still thinking" - Jerry Seinfeld

Australians with a passion for literature, art and coffee now have a new stylish setting in which to wile the hours. Baci Lounge-a new concept in bookstores-has opened its first Australian store in Brisbane, offering foodies and book lovers a unique and delightful experience that reinvigorates the simple art of reading, leaving visitors feeling relaxed and inspired.

An environment that promotes an appreciation of the written word, where visitors can enjoy great coffee, food, wine and intimate conversation, is the brainchild of New Zealand-based published author, medical doctor and Queensland university senior lecturer, Dr. Sharad Paul. Italian for "kisses" and an acronym for Books, Art, Coffee Inc - Baci Lounge provides a trendy oasis for book lovers and supplies a full range of quality fiction and nonfiction books from local publishers and book distributers.

Dr. Paul created the unique concept as he was concerned that society's interest in reading and literature was dwindling. "My vision was to reinvigorate a passion for literature for book lovers as well as those who want to establish an interest books but haven't had the right opportunity," Dr Paul said. "The rise of the information age brought with it a proliferation of new types of media, much of it online, which I think has had a knock-on effect; people are reading fewer books because they are bombarded with so much news and information. I am consumed by a passion to revitalise the art of reading and the tradition of a friendly local independent book store combined with a cafe," explains Dr. Paul.

The first Baci Lounge opened in Auckland, New Zealand, inspiring Kiwis and travellers to browse the collections of books while sampling great coffee, wine and food. Since opening, the store has won several industry awards including Best Café in 2007 and 2008 and the "Top Shop" Award in the 2008 NZ Restaurant Association Awards. It is also the only Australasian book store to be featured in Time magazine, which commended Baci Lounge for its unusual collection of literature on India.

"In addition to local titles, Baci Lounge supplies American and English press titles, normally not available in many Australasian bookshops," Dr Paul said. "We encourage people to flick through our unique collection books while they are enjoying coffee, a meal or a glass of wine. Some publishers thought I was nuts and would end up with lots of damaged stock, but this is all a part of my vision for the business. It allows visitors to take their time and not feel guilty about reading in store," he added.

A warm, somewhat romantic space, Baci Lounge is adorned with magnificent chandeliers, deep red décor and large gracious armchairs. Dr. Sharad Paul designed the interiors of both stores himself, his aim to create a space that was inviting and calming for visitors. Those simply looking to escape life's pressures can take time to peruse the collections of books, find a secluded corner or comfy leather chair and read to their heart's content. The store's wide range of delicious food and wine also make this unique book store the perfect place to catch up with friends, relax over a glass of wine or start a book club.

In addition to being a great place to visit and take some much needed "time out", visitors can also help ensure reading lives on for future generations. Baci Lounge allocates profits into several literacy programs-one is a mentoring program where Dr. Paul visits lower socioeconomic schools and speaks to children, emphasising the old-fashioned values of literacy, hard work and persistence. Another is a short story competition for lower decile schools with the winning school winning a supply of books for its library. Further, Dr. Paul is currently seeking advice from Australian Educational authorities so that new literacy programs in Brisbane can be tailored to local schools.

Australia's first Baci Lounge
Located at 283 Given Terrace, Paddington, Brisbane.
Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm Sunday 9am - 5pm
For more information, visit www.bacilounge.com

Dr. Sharad Paul is a published fiction author, and is a prize winning short story writer for his first story, which was later developed into a book. Cool Cut (Picador) is a witty tale of three kite-flying friends in India who are forced to grow up fast in a world of eunuchs, politics, movie stars and tragedy. Dr. Paul has written another novel, which is with his publishers, and his third is almost complete.

Dr. Paul has completed his residencies in plastic surgery and family medicine and has his own established skin cancer clinic in Auckland. And Queenslanders can take pride in the fact that in true literary style, all Baci Lounge stores are being opened alphabetically, opening first in Auckland, followed next by Brisbane. Where Dr. Paul opens his third concept store is anyone's guess...Canberra or California perhaps?