Let's Library!

Libraries are the go to places for many Bangloreans who would want to let themselves sink into the pages of fiction. Though the readership has extensively dropped down, few deeply rooted libraries have refused to vacate the streets of the city. Though these libraries are owned by different people and are placed distantly from one another they stand united by the strong smell of old books and dust filled racks where you find fat classics sitting cosily.

Gurudutt Enterprises

All the book lovers in Bengaluru can dive into a mound of old books and explore the various classics at Gurudutt Enterprises Circulating Library, Jayanagar. Being one of the oldest library in the city it was established in 1976 by C.S. Chandrashekar.

The library still possess all the old books that was once brought from MG road, Brigade road and Balepete during its inception by its librarian. Readers not only get to indulge in their favourite books but also get a visual treat for there is a sequence of photos of Gnanapeetha awardees lined up above each rack of books. Customers’ olfactory experience is also enhanced by the burst of old books smell that hits their nose as soon as they enter the library.

The librarian possess a personal level relationship with all his customers and its upon his suggestion that they borrow the books.

Timings:

5:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Location:

26th Main Road, Jayanagar, Bengaluru.

Rashtreeya Vidyalaya Road is the nearest metro station and

Ragigudda temple is the nearest bus stop.

Eloor Libraries

The old school readers’ find themselves fitting perfectly in Eloor Library that was opened in 1988. Having a community of its own across the country, this branch in Infantry road still remains the favourite of many Bangloreans.

From comics to vintage magazines, fiction or non-fiction, there is something for every age group that are kept wrapped in laminated covers for safe keeping. All the books in the library are stocked in alphabetical order of last name of the author, for fiction, and under categories for non-fiction.

The library also possesses old school archives Double Digest comic books, Tintin and Asterix, among others.

Timings:

10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Location:

G-9, Blue Cross Chambers, Behind Safina Plaza, Infantry road, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru. Cubbon Park is the nearest metro station and Indian Express is the nearest bus stop.

Gupta Library

The library renowned for catering to over three to four generations was established in 1952. It offers a wide range of age-old as well as brand new indie magazines.

It is equipped with several hundreds of books in three regional languages of Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. The librarian recalls Bangloreans flocking from distant areas to pick up their weekly reads from him. GRJ Gupta started this library when he was 10 years old with his 12 years old brother.

Being a jovial librarian, he knows each of his member by name and asks about their recent travels and their children while making detailed entries in his ledger.

Timings:

10:00 am to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Location:

Sampige road, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru.

Mantri Square, Sampige road is the nearest metro station and Malleshwaram circle is the nearest bus stop.