Four Places in Lagos to Hang Out with a Book

By Chidinma Okere

For most people, new year goals are not complete without a reading plan. Books are important for learning new things, expanding the mind and entertainment but living in busy cities such as Lagos can make tackling one’s to-be-read pile quite the hassle.

Here is a list of cool and quiet places in Lagos where you can hang out with a book.

Parks
First on the list are any parks within the city. From state-owned Ndubuisi Kano Park and Jackson Jakande Tinubu Park to privately owned Jhalobia Garden and Freedom, parks offer outdoor sitting areas in a very serene environment. The greenery gives shade and cool air, perfect for relaxing with a good book.

Before visiting any of the parks this season, call ahead to confirm their entry fees, as a few of them are paid.
 

Ndubuisi Kano Park

Samantha’s Bistro
Located in the heart of Ikoyi, Samantha’s is a warm little restaurant with the perfect ambiance for getting lost within the pages of a book. They also offer board and card games for when you would like a little break.

Jazz Hole
Jazz Hole is another great place for lovers of books and the arts. Jazzhole is a bookstore on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, selling used and new books spanning all genres from Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world. They have a sitting area for coffee. You can spend as much time here as you want.

Terra Kulture  
This is an art and culture center offering a variety of activities, including stage performances, art exhibitions, local food, and good music. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Terra Kulture is a great place to relax with a piece from your favourite author.

As you make your projections for the year, remember to add a segment for learning. Books are the most important source of knowledge, so make a list of books covering different genres that interest you and get reading.

When you come across other cool spots, let us know in the comments.