Who doesn’t enjoy some quiet time with their favourite book to de-stress from the otherwise whirlwind routine of the city life? Here are some places where you can find the perfect soup for the soul:
State Central Library
One of the oldest and most loved libraries in the city that is also a stark landmark for sight-seeing. The red brick building with a well-maintained rose garden stands out amongst the verdant greenery of Cubbon Park, adding to the charm of the structure. It is said that the archives contain a copy of every book published in the state after 1970, amongst various other collections, that will satisfy your research and leisure reading demands. A total of 2,40,093 (and counting) books and periodicals are currently part of their collection, waiting to be explored.
Where: Sir Seshadri Iyer Memorial Library, (State Central Library)
Cubbon Park
When: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
Digits: 080 – 2221 2128/ 080 – 22867358
Mythic Society Library
Established in 1909, this library caters to the curiosity of the intellects interested in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, Epigraphy, Culture, traditions, Art & Architecture, Folklore Ethnology, Literature and allied subjects. They also host several lectures by renowned professors on various topics of interest (sign up for their newsletter to keep track). Additionally, a grant provided by the government for their centenary celebrations has allowed for a spacious hall that is to be made into an art museum and a guest house, exclusively for accommodating out station scholars.
Where: 14/1, Nrupathunga Road, Opposite Reserve Bank
When: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 am to 5:15 pm; Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00pm; Monday Holiday
Digits: 080 – 2221 5034
JRD Tata Memorial Library
This century old library spans over 5000 sq mts and calls the Indian Institute of Science its home. It houses a massive collection of scientific texts and journals that assists and serves everyone working in the field of science and research at IISC. The beautiful surroundings, and lush exterior is just a bibliophile bonus.
Where: IISC Campus, Gulmohar Marg, Devasandra Layout, Bangalore
When: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
Digits: 080 2293 2407
British Council Library
With state-of-the-art facilities and an atmosphere that inspires creative thinking that feeds the wanderlust of your mind, this library is definitely a stand-out from the others, by character. Besides being a space for reading and renting noteworthy books, the library is also a social arena where you can meet friends and explore the resources. They even organise skill based workshops and lively meet-and-greet sessions with authors on a regular basis.
Where: Prestige Takt 23, Kasturba Cross Road
When: 10:30 am – 6:30 pm
Digits: 0120 456 9000
Eloor Library
A chain of libraries in India over the past 34 years, the Eloor Library in Bengaluru has one of the finest collection of books that any book lover would love to dive into and discover. Membership can be availed for as little as Rs. 1000 per head which is fully refundable at the time of closing. Cost of renting books is also reasonable at just 10% of the cost of the book (subject to a maximum amount), with a reading time of 14 days as the standard. Right from new arrivals and classics to general fiction, non-fiction, philosophy, sports and cookery, the sections of Eloor range far and wide.
Where: G – 9, Blue Cross Chambers, Infantry Road Cross
When: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Digits: 080 – 42057280/ 080 – 25591408
Just Books
Your typical ‘Rent, Read and Return’ format that has been brought to the city – Just Books has as many as 30 facilities all over. For those that find it hard to commute to the bigger libraries, this one is the perfect option and accessible without much effort from any part of Bengaluru. Moreover, you can easily rent your favourite books online, from the comfort of your homes, and have it delivered as per your convenience. This new generation community library chain provides a unique reading experience for all book lovers with a wide range of books available on all topics.
Psst!: Multiple locations across the city. Find details of your closest outlet here.
So, get your reading glasses out and pair it up with a steaming mug of tea/coffee to enjoy your favourite weekend read! xx