Dedicated reading space 'FLOR' opens at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan
Dhaka: Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan has introduced FLOR, short for "For Love of Reading," a new initiative at The Deli - Lobby Cafe aimed at bringing guests closer to books and the culture surrounding them.
The inaugural event drew authors, publishers, media representatives, and figures from Dhaka's literary and hospitality circles. Sajjad Sharif, Executive Editor and a Founding Member of Prothom Alo, attended as Chief Guest and formally introduced FLOR through a ceremonial curtain drop, joined by Karthi VK, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan.
FLOR offers a curated collection spanning seven categories, including leadership, fiction, and contemporary Bangladeshi literature, giving guests a place to step back from daily routines and engage with books.
The initiative runs on a simple exchange model: guests can purchase a signature coffee, borrow a book and return it later, or take part in a "Take One, Leave One" system that lets the collection grow through community contributions.
A daily featured title, called the Book Pick of the Day, is also offered to help guests choose their next read while they enjoy coffee and food at the cafe.
Speaking on the launch, General Manager Karthi VK said the initiative was designed as an invitation for guests to step away from digital screens and rediscover the experience of reading a physical book.
He described FLOR as a space meant to encourage people to slow down, explore new ideas, and connect with others, adding that the book-exchange element gives the project a community dimension that will expand over time.
Chief Guest Sajjad Sharif spoke about the broader significance of reading, noting that societies have gradually drifted away from books despite the role they play in preserving history, knowledge, and human experience.
He added that reading is not merely about absorbing information but about engaging in a process of thought that broadens imagination and said projects like FLOR help people reconnect with that wider world of ideas.
Alongside the launch, the hotel also introduced a new menu at The Deli, featuring artisanal dishes and freshly crafted coffee options designed to complement the relaxed, book-centered atmosphere of the space.
The event concluded with a high tea session at Oasis Lounge, where attendees discussed literature, culture, and the evolving role of reading in contemporary life.
Crowne Plaza Dhaka Gulshan said through FLOR, the IHG property aims to create more than a reading corner, positioning it as a lasting space for exchange, discovery, and community engagement centered on books.
