Eslite's Dunnan store will close shop in May 2020. Eslite's Dunnan store will close shop in May 2020. (CNA photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The first 24-hour bookstore in the world, Eslite's Dunnan branch, has decided to end operations on May 31, 2020, after accompanying Taipei residents for 30 years.

The management team announced on Thursday (Nov. 14) that the lease for the bookstore will expire next June, so relocating the landmark is inevitable. The team also said a new 24-hour bookstore will be introduced, but so far the location has yet to be decided.

Chosen as one of the "world's coolest bookstores" by CNN in 2015, the Eslite Dunnan store has planned a series of events to celebrate its remarkable 30 years of service and to show appreciation for its customers' support. Starting Thursday, Eslite Dunnan will bring back the 1991 antiquarian bookshop and print on demand (POD) exhibitions as well as creative bazaars, reported CNA.

Eslite's Dunnan store was established in 1989 as the company's first bookstore, and it has since attracted bibliophiles from Taiwan and abroad wishing to experience its beauty and unique 24/7 availability. After learning about its closure, many readers bemoaned what they regard as the loss of a Taipei treasure, reported Now News.



Eslite Dunnan Store starts its 200-day countdown Thursday. (CNA photo)



Eslite Dunnan Store provides a quiet environment for its readers. (CNA photo)