Lure of the print: Bangalore City’s libraries

In an era when everything is being consumed by the digital world at break-neck speed, there are a few old-school institutions that still stand the test of time. One such institution is the lending library. As books get pricier by the day, these lending libraries come as saving grace, for one gets to browse through one’s favourite titles without having to feel the pull on the purse-strings. Here are some of Bangalore’s libraries that you would like to visit.

Nestled amidst lush foliage in one of the city’s best-known parks, Cubbon Park, the red-stoned building of Bangalore Public Library with its Greco-Roman structure harks back to the days of the Raj. The library has a vast collection of books in every discipline. However, since this is not a lending library, the material can be used only for reference and there is a photocopy-machine to help you do exactly that!

Located at Peenya, the Public Technical Library houses all titles related to science and technology.

BCL, as The British Council Library is popularly known, is not a public library, and hence membership is required. Walk into its precincts and you are transported to a different realm altogether. BCL houses titles in every discipline—from arts and literature to social sciences and life sciences. In addition to this, it also has a wide range of periodicals published in the UK and a good collection of DVDs. The library has a separate section for kids.

Other popular libraries
The city also has several other lending libraries, such as, Eloor Lending Library, and Easy Library. Eloor is a library-chain with outlets in Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Pune and caters to kids as well as adults. The only downside is that it is a wee bit expensive for a library. Easy Library in Koramangala charges the same as Eloor, except here, you can choose to borrow your book(s) over the net, and for a nominal fee get it delivered to your doorstep.

Clubs and their in-house libraries
Most of the city’s clubs like Bangalore Club, Catholic Club, and Bowring Institute also have a nice selection of books at their respective in-house libraries, catering to a wide range of taste of the patrons.

Happy reading all!