Man of Books

Manager of the most iconic bookstore in the capital, William Bagley turns years of literary experience into a successful mix of tales and toys. Craig Gerard hears the story from the face of Monument Books.

A relative newcomer to Phnom Penh, Monument Books general manager William Bagley has the admirable task of selecting what English language books are available in the city. “I’ve always been passionate about reading,” William explains. One of five brothers, he says they used books to escape from each other. “It has fuelled everything I’ve done.”

William, who arrived in Cambodia in August of 2008, has been in the book and literature business for the past 25 years. Prior to Monument Books, he worked for a regional bookstore in Thailand for five years. Much of that time was spent as a buyer, working between India and Japan. “I never considered working in a bookstore as a career,” says William. “Most people start working part time in a book store to launch their writing career or to get through school. That was the case for me, but I never really left.” Two and a half decades later, William finds himself surrounding by books of his choosing.

“When deciding what to carry, we think about what the community wants,” says William. While large publishing houses have their agenda of authors they want sold, that vision doesn’t always fit in with a bookstore in Phnom Penh. For example, Monument has a range of books on the Vietnam War, since many travellers in the region are former service men, or people who are on their way to Vietnam. William’s selections reflect careful thought of who the readers might be. “Sometimes I’m choosing books for the largest possible audience,” he says. “Other times I’m choosing books that only two or three people might be really interested in.” The freedom to make those decisions is part of what William really enjoys about his job.

“I value being able to make connections for readers,” he notes. “When people come into the store and ask for book suggestions, it gives me the chance to introduce them to a book they may not have considered.”

So how does a bookstore survive in a city where US$4 counterfeits are available in every market? William believes there are enough people who value the commodity of literature. They want to buy books that aren’t just a throwaway after one read. Offering an alternative to pirated books also sends the message that stores haven’t given up on giving authors proper credit. “We have been instrumental in carrying books that have been widely copied,” says William. “If you don’t offer legitimate copies, you may as well give away the market.” Selling real copies provides a “real” alternative to copied books, hopefully denting that market. While he doesn’t blame people for trying to buy cheaper versions, he does feel authors and publishers should be reaping the rewards rather than the copiers. This is something that Monument Books can help instigate in Cambodia.

Monument is not all about books. Since his arrival on Norodom Boulevard, William has helped to launch Monument Toys on the second level of the bookshop, what he calls a “complimentary business.” After ramping up the children’s book section, it made sense to offer a “one-stop-shop” for children’s entertainment, he explains. While there are many similarities between the customers of the book market and the toy market, the two industries are run quite differently. This has been a challenge, but one worth taking. Similar to books, he has found numerous people want high quality toys that won’t break after one use. He has also noticed that parents are willing to spend more time browsing for books if their children are happily occupied upstairs.

Shifting some of the focus away from the books towards the people behind those books is another way that William has engaged with the local community. “We’ll do any event connected with books,” William says, “as long as it is entertaining to the customers.” While some ideas come from publishers, others are brought to the store from the authors. This allows the stories to come to life. “People really enjoy hearing from authors about their work,” William explains. Monument Books has been a crucial outlet for literature-based events in the Penh.

William Bagley has much to celebrate after his first year in the Penh. The book selection has improved, first class toys are available, and events are drawing new crowds into the store. “It has taken the full year to see the things change in a way I like,” he says. It seems his customers are liking it too.