Our founder, Thakhin Khin Nyunt, was an avid supporter of reading. He founded Sarpaylawka bookstore because he believed that reading books will improve people’s lives and that books are necessary to build a better future. He wanted to promote the culture of reading and books which were rare in the 50s for the betterment of people.
Read because reading promotes
self-discipline, reading can uplift a nation.
Thakhin Khin Nyunt (Sarpaylawka Founder)
1956
Our Origin
Thakhin Khin Nyunt was passionate about starting a bookstore because he realized the importance of reading and the difficult accessibility of books back in the 50s. He moved to Yangon and started selling books out of a mobile van under the name Sarpaylawka. Our mobile van is recognized as an iconic symbol of Sarpaylawka.
1968
1st brick & mortar store
Our founder had the vision of providing a more accessible and permanent space for people to have access to books. Thus, we launched our 1st brick and mortar store in 1958 which is located in downtown area of Yangon.
1974
Celebrating literature & Journalism
In honor of celebrating literature and journalism, a special event was held at the Envoy Hall in Yangon. Sarpaylawka was invited to take part in the event as a book vendor.
1974
National Literature Award
1974 - Moe Moe Inya won her first National Literature Award for the Novel “Pyaut Taw Lan Mhar San Ta War”. Moe Moe Inya was a member of Sarpaylawka Family and married to U Myo Nyunt who was the publisher of the Sarpaylawka Publishing .
1976
20th
Anniversary of Sarpaylawka
Well known authors and publishers from the literary community came together to celebrate our 20th Annivesary milestone at the Strand Hotel. In the photo shown, author Thein Phay Myint giving a speech.
1998
Solo Book Fair
Sarpaylawka held numerous book exhibitions and book sale events. We were the first bookstore to organize solo book exhibitions and book fairs in major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay.
2014
100th
Memorial of our Founder
In memory of our founder, Thakhin Khin Nyunt, we held a memorial event to celebrate his legacy on his 100th anniversary. Notable authors and publishers came together to write about their special moments and interactions they've had with him.
2019
Lifetime Publisher Award
Giving Ceremony
U Myo Nyunt ( Sarpaylawka) was recognised with Lifetime Achievement award for publishing by Myanmar Publishers and Booksellers Association
2021
A proud memorial Commemoration
In remembrance of U Myo Nyunt( Sarpaylawka ) , the book containing the commemorative articles of several prominent writers, publishers and artists were published by Sarpaylawka.
Today
Sarpaylawka Today
We have established as a major bookstore and publishing house with 9 stores in Yangon.