Mt Lawley Western Australia 6050
(08) 9328 7464
http://www.planetvideo.com.au/library/books/
Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:00 - 23:00
There is something about Planet Books, Mary. There always has been since they opened six years ago. There is much than hype here, otherwise the allure would have vanished long ago.
Planet books is always crowded with a bunch of eclectic quiet people reading their books, looking at their books, seating on the couch perusing their books, browsing their stationary, and, occasionally, buying something. It is the relaxed atmosphere, their open but cosy space, the small popular children corner, the freedom to do whatever you like without anybody pestering your derrière, and the fact that you can find a mix of mainstream and independent titles, and an interesting mix of shelves devoted to the Arts what makes of the place so popular. Moreover, you enter a planet and have the whole Universe at your feet, with Planet Video, Planet Music and Daily Planet all interconnected.
The prices of their fiction and mainstream non-fiction books are average. Last week I purchased the latest Murakami's, and it is only three dollars more expensive than in The Book Depository - a good price! Their graphic design and illustration area is very expensive, but most people approaching those shelves, me among them, stay there perusing... They used to have all the editions of the Exposé Magazine and a great selection of illustrators, but this is no longer the case, and the selection of illustrators is not as good as used to be, but is still decent. Their painting and Arts shelves are a bit mainstream for my taste, still good.
They have a cute selection of posh stationary, sweet drops in cheeky boxes, and the funniest postcards in the city, so irreverent and politically incorrect that I always find myself laughing out loud at them.
The promotion of local artists and writers has been one of their focus since Planet Books opened its doors. This is, precisely, the place where Shaun Tan has launched and signed his books before he was known outside Perth not to say an Oscar Winner. Other local artists also launch and have launched their work here. Join their mailing list through their website and you will get the invitation, or check their Fasebookie: http://www.facebook.com/atPlanetBooks
The service is minimal, as this is part of the appeal to the visitors, many of us just book voyeurs or people who know what they are looking for. One of the owners used to be behind the counter at the beginning, and he was terrific to talk to. The current staff are courteous but a bit nosey-posey at times.
