Metrolife: It's a celebration of books today

UNESCO designated April 23 as World Book Day to celebrate books and reading across the globe

Bibliophiles believe that ‘The more you read, the more things you will know.
The more you learn, the more places you’ll go’. So on World Book Day, authors from Bengaluru tell us which are their favourite libraries and bookshops in the city and why.

Jahnavi Barua
Author of ‘Next Door’ and ‘Rebirth’
Favourite library: I’ve been a member of Eloor Lending Library since 1996 in Kochi, Bengaluru and Kolkata. I like that it’s small but well-stocked and has a whole range of fictional books. This was a great option as there weren’t too many libraries back then. British Council, on the other hand, has been a big part of my childhood. I remember spending days and evenings there exploring various things.
Favourite bookshops: Premier Book Shop on Church Street was the best. Books would be piled by to the ceiling. The owner knew exactly where each book was and he was the best person to take it out without toppling any of the books. He was a very involved and engaging proprietor.

Milan Vohra
Author of ‘The Love Asana’ and ‘Tick-tock, we’re 30’
Favourite library: I prefer reading on the Kindle nowadays. I used to enjoy visiting Eloor Lending Libraries but I can’t remember the last time I went there.
Favourite bookshops: I have a couple of them actually. The collection at Blossom Book House is huge and you’ll always end up making accidental discoveries. The owner of The Bookworm, Krishna, makes the place very special. I find that there’s the charm of old Bangalore there. I also like Atta Galatta as it’s become a go-to place for me. It’s more than a bookstore – the space now stands for all the interesting book-related events in the city. I like that the owners have built it with great love and thought.

Monideepa Sahu
Author of ‘Riddle of the Seventh Stone’ and ‘Rabindranath Tagore: Puffin Lives’
Favourite library: I prefer to read from my collection of books, to be honest. But I do enjoy visiting Kutoohala - A Space for Curious Minds in Basavanagudi. They have a good selection of children’s books and a nice place for parents and children to spend time at.
Favourite bookshops: You’ll never know what you’ll find when you go to Blossom Book House. It’s always fun to explore the bookstore. I personally like the dusty, musty corners and piles of books that are kept without any fancy display. I also like that the staff know where each book is kept. It’s a great place to find books that are lesser known.