Small libraries hold on in digital times

Bengaluru has had a long-standing relationship with books and reading but as the digital era creeps into every aspect of our lives, libraries are not so common in the city’s landscape anymore.

While large libraries have endured the onslaught of time, most smaller ones have closed down due to lack of adequate business or operational difficulties. Metrolife makes a list of some smaller establishments which are still a bibliophile’s delight.

Gupta Circulating Library

Located at Sampige Road, this library has been around for more than half a century. Classics in more than five languages can be found here, along with old editions. Membership charges vary based on the number of books you want to borrow but all packages are below Rs 500.

For details, call 080 23364041

Quills Lending Library

Situated in the parking lot of an apartment building in Nehru Nagar, Seshadripuram, this library has a collection of varied genres. Fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, comic books and children’s literature can be found here in plenty. This place is open from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays and from 11am to 2pm on Sundays. Membership costs Rs 500 which entails you to borrow up to four books. Late charges can go up to Rs 40 per week depending on the book.

For details, call 97434 74437.

The Little Free Library

This library works on the exchange principle. Though membership is free, if anyone wants to borrow a book, they have to leave a book in the collection first. This was inspired by a concept used in the US that had the same name as this place. The library is located at the Ground Floor of Om Pure Veg Restaurant, 7th Block, Koramangala.

For details, call 98447 08137.