Thanks to small libraries in Bhopal, the literary culture in the town is still alive and buzzing with people of all ages. They contribute to the literary culture and add to the reading atmosphere in the city. However, with ebooks a touch away on smartphones, such libraries is in for a tough competition. We ask city’s book lovers on why the need of such libraries are necessary.These libraries hold a special place in the heart of book lovers. Read on to find out how special they are for a voracious reader.
“Coming to a library and sitting for hours is what Bani Gulati, a psychology student wants for most of the days in her life. “Though small, but this library is close to my house and provides me with all that I need when I am reading. I believe such libraries should be constructed more and every residential area should have one. As they are resourceful and help you connect with other readers and share your knowledge and experiences.”

These small libraries aren’t just about the books that we get, it’s a complete reading experience with the atmosphere that is created in them, which we don’t get sitting in the corner of our room with our eyes glued on the screens. Sonal Dixit, an avid reader shares, “Back in the time, the culture of holding a public library pass (membership) was fashion. And even if times have changed for better or for not-so-better reasons, the fact that reading in a library is a pleasure that can’t be changed. The silence, the human interaction in a way that even introverts would enjoy was some sort of joy. I still remember the vintage textures of the furniture, never-ending piles and rows of books with the sun beaming through the ceilings, the carpets, the old rustic furniture; possibly everything about Central Library is being missed big time. The small libraries left in the city are like temples for me.”
‘THEY ARE TRULY A BOOK LOVER’S HAVEN’
Finding our favourite books stacked in a corner with piles of other books is a treat to the eyes of a reader. Ananya Shinde shares her fondness for Pradeep Library, a forty-year-old library in the heart of the city. The library is small as an attic but is like a treasure for any book lover. I avoid reading ebooks as they strain my eyes and cant hook me for long. I wish the demands for such libraries rise in the coming years and we all go back to reading books." When we spoke to the owner of Pradeep Library, which is quite famous in the city, he shared his experience with the audience all these years. “There has been a recent demand to set up my library in its full motion again. The audience started drifting ten years down the line to mobile apps and e-books, but now again people want these conventional libraries to be back. Often my old customers, some that I have known for forty years now, come and chit chat reminiscing about those days when their friends used to come together to issue books. I personally feel that the libraries should sustain as they define the literary culture and richness of the city. I have some books that are seventy years old and hard to find online. These collections one can only find and relish in a library”.- Mohanlal Hirani, owner Pradeep Library.

‘BOOKS KEEP US ALIVE, SMALL LIBRARIES NURTURE THEM’
The book culture in the city might be dying but the book lovers in the city wouldn’t let go off the books from their heart. Vivek Mishra, Professor of Microbiology shares his fond memories of small libraries which once used to be common in the city. “The pleasure of getting the book before anyone else can only be felt not explained. The small libraries like the British library in New Market, were also a meeting place to catch up with friends maybe over a cup of tea, some gossips which is not possible today. Modern times have removed the libraries but they have a place in my heart. These small libraries that are left now are like heaven to me and my family.” For the millennials, these libraries might have a lesser preference but for the people in their middle-aged, these libraries hold sheer value. For they have lived in the times where these used to be the hotspot for discussions, meetings and catching up. Kamilini Deb in her late forties thinks these libraries provided an impetus to read amongst all the friends and society kids. “Today, with digitization on fire, we need to encourage our kids to turn the pages of books instead of scrolling up and down on their screens. These have cost us the loss of verbal discussions, exchange of thoughts and of course books that we used to do in our times.”
KNOWLEDGE ON FOUR WHEELS
When we talk about libraries, how can we ignore the book stalls that are so popular in the city? These bookstalls are mobile, available almost everywhere and carry jewels with them. Ziya Khan, a student thinks that what one can find in these book stalls is tough to find art other places. I am preparing for my competitive exams and I can't do my preparations by the online editions of these books. I prefer these libraries on wheels as they are cheap, easily available and contribute to a healthy reading habit.”

pics: Vishesh Sharma