I’ve never visited Guangzhou City, but when I do my first destination will be the wonderful 1200 Bookshop. The only 24 hour bookstore in China’s third largest city was the brainchild of architect Liu Erxi. After a long backpacking trip, he realized that he felt most welcome and at home in the bookshops that he visited. Modeled on another 24 hour bookstore in Taipei, Taiwan, the 1200 Bookshop has become a community center, meeting place, and safe space in the city of 13 million people.

Liu has also make a commitment to hire people with disabilities to staff the bookstore café. The crowdfunded shop has also become famous throughout China for its egalitarian atmosphere and welcoming vibe.

One of my favorite places to escape the tourist madness of central London is Hatchards Bookshop. The third floor, with its comfy sofas, is a great spot to spend a rainy afternoon. The popular Londonist blog recently profiled the city’s oldest bookshop and offered an insider’s tour of the Piccadilly shop. Although the bookstore has been operating since 1797, it has only been in this location for 200 years. You can take the tour right here.

h/t Tom Gauld

The wonderful short animated video below features the creation of a fantastic book sculpture by the British artist Kerry Miller. Even though it reveals her process, it preserves the magic of her incredible work.

h/t to the marvelous Spanish cartoonist Laura Pecheco  (and you really do need to read Station 11 by Emily St.John Mandel.