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The hectic week is coming to an end, and for those who prefer their weekends at a slower and serener pace, they know that books are the ultimate way to unwind. Whether you’re thumbing through a magazine or burying your nose into a hefty Bronte novel, books have a way of transporting you to another realm, a much needed break from our dreary realities.
Mumbai is the perfect city for bibliophiles of all kinds, be it those looking forward to pouring over comic books with a cup of coffee or those on the hunt to find cheaper versions of much loved classics. Many of the libraries and stores in the city aren’t just treasure troves of literature, but also have fascinating histories and architectures, making them perfect for a laid-back Sunday outing. So here is Homegrown’s guide to libraries, book-cafes, bookstores and book clubs of all kinds for the bibliophiles in the ‘bay.
Libraries
I. Asiatic Society
One of the city’s oldest libraries.
Where: Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort.
Established in 1804, The Asiatic Library is an iconic structure with Greek and Roman architectural influences. A grand flight of stairs leads the way to the Grecian portico, lined with eight Doric-styled columns. The inner space of the library is done up in wooden flooring with a spiral staircase that leads to a terrace adorned with wrought iron while the library’s vestibule boasts of fine marble statues and portraits — a charm for lovers of all things antique. Their spacious reading room made quaint with surrounding artefacts is perfect for anyone looking for quiet time with their books.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: The library has around 25,000 to 30,000 rare collections of books along with manuscripts, scrolls, magazines and newspapers.
Membership: Fill in the membership form at the library or click here to download it and submit it at the library.
Fee: The Reader membership costs INR 500 (three books a month) while the Resident membership costs INR 1,500 (15 books a month) .
When to swing by: Between 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. Remains closed on Sundays and national holidays.
II. David Sassoon Library
One of the city’s heritage libraries, founded by the son of famous Baghdadi-Jewish philanthropist, David Sassoon.
Where: Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda.
One of the oldest libraries in Mumbai, they have a great collection of ancient books, dating back to as early as 1789. The categories include social sciences, literature of regional languages and many more. In 2006, it was included in list of the 47 classical libraries of the world.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: Housing almost 70,000 books in its Venetian Gothic architectural structure, this library has an archaic appeal that resonates throughout its structure. It also has its own garden filled with jackfruit, mango and coconut trees; an idyll in the middle of the bustling city.
Membership: Click here to register online or visit the library.
Fee: INR 4,000 (INR 1,500 is refunded on termination of membership).
III. British Council
Has one of the most extensive collections of British literature in the city.
Where: 901, 9th Floor, Tower 1, One Indiabulls Centre, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road (West).
Apart from books, you can also borrow magazines, films, theatre videos, music and newspapers. In addition, they also have a digital library, workshops and cultural events which you can be part of as a member in any of their nine libraries across India. Their quiet and spacious purpose built study area is perfect for an undisturbed read.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: Free home-delivery of books with no due date on books borrowed or late fee on their return!
Membership: Click here to pay online or visit the library.
Fee: INR 1800 to borrow upto six items at a time.
When to swing by: Between 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. Remains closed on Sundays.
IV. American Library
Houses an exhaustive collection of American literature.
Where: The American Consulate, Bandra-Kurla Complex.
This library has close to 11,000 books on American literature ranging from best-sellers and books on art to science or even business and academic periodicals.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: It is spacious and well-equipped, allowing you to sit for hours and read to your heart’s content. If you want to take a break from your reading, watch a movie from their collection of classic American films.
Membership: Click here to become a member.
Fee: INR 400 for unlimited borrowing.
When to swing by: 8 am to 4:30 pm between Monday and Friday. Remains closed on the weekends.
V. Crowd sourced
First ever crowd-sourced library in India
Where: Evershine City, Vasai (East).
This nameless library is a crowd-sourced one. Its motto is ‘Books from the people, for the people’. Here, the collection consists of donations from various institutes and individuals.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: If you are tight on cash and short of time, this is the perfect solution to both your dilemmas as they let you borrow and deliver books absolutely free of cost.
Membership: Not required.
Fee: It’s free! So, you can read away without spending a single ruppee.
When to swing by: They haven’t created a space where members can visit or sit and read books. Their updated book list is available on their Facebook page. Take your pick and they will arrive with it at your doorstep.
VI. Trilogy
A specially curated library with a spacious reading room for members.
Where: Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Lower Parel.
They have a curated collection of books within different genres, making sure that there is something for everyone. Being avid readers themselves, the owners have taken extra efforts to create the perfect environment to enjoy a book. They also organise some really fun workshops and literary events regularly.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: A quiet, quaint space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The wooden flooring and comfortable furniture makes it the perfect place to just curl up with a good book and enjoy the day.
Membership: Click here to register online or visit the library.
Fee: INR 3,000 for unlimited number of books.
When to swing by: Between 11 am to 9 pm on any day of the week.
VII. Help
Exclusive collection of health-related books.
Where: DN Road, Tardeo.
This library wishes to keep its members fit by offering over 11,000 books and audio visual material focusing on various aspects of health, such as, fitness, diet, exercise, and diseases. Their aim is to make every individual aware of their rights and responsibilities as a patient, spread awareness about various illness, and methods of prevention that can help achieve the ultimate goal of a healthier India.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: Apart from all the useful reading material, the library also hosts various lectures conducted by health professionals.
Membership: Free of cost.
When to swing by: Between 10am to 6:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. It remains closed on Sundays.
VIII. Mcubed Library
Curated by mothers to inculcate reading habits in children.
Where: D’Monte Park Road, Bandra.
With over 10,000 books to offer, this library is for kids and young adults interested in children’s literature.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: Their vibrantly painted walls and coloured paper lamps and low seating, makes for a cheerful space for you to sit in and enjoy reading perhaps one of your childhood favourites.
Membership: You can avail the membership at the library itself.
Fee: INR 2,200 (Rs 1,000 refundable on termination of membership)for annual term, and INR 850 for half-yearly.
When to swing by: Between 10 am to 8 pm all through the week.
IX. NCPA
Exclusive collection of books on fine arts and performing arts.
Where: Nariman Point.
This library has an extensive collection of books on music, dance, film, painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, television, fashion and even magic, dealing with theoretical as well as practical aspects of these subjects.
What makes it a bibliophile’s heaven: They have treatises on Indian music published before 1900, autobiographies and biographies of almost every important Western classical music singer from the 18th century up to the present and when you want a break from the reading you can choose from over 5,000 records covering all genres of music.
Membership: You can register online here or visit the library.
Fee: INR 7500 (This is inclusive of special offers for all NCPA shows and other benefits which can be viewed here.)
When to swing by: Between 10am and 6pm from Monday-Friday. It remains closed on weekends.
X. J.N Petit’s Library and Reading Room
Well stocked- reading space with an old world charm.
Where: Fort
The J.N Petit Library is a picturesque sight with stained glass windows housed in Mumbai’s fort area. They have over one lakh books across various categories like art, music, poetry, fiction, as well as books in regional languages.
What makes it a bibliophiles heaven: They have an entire section dedicated to rare historical manuscripts and books, such as Firdaus’ 11th century epic poem Shahnama. Their reading room is also an excellent place to unwind.
Membership: You can get a membership at the library itself, by filling up a form. You’ll then be allowed to issue three books a fortnight and two magazines a week at a time.
Fee: The annual membership is INR 1000.
When to swing by: Open everyday between 7 am to 8:30 pm.
One of the most affordable library plans for those on a budget.
Where: Marine Lines.
Another old library started in the 1800s, it houses a good collection of novels and classical literature, philosophy books, Indian literature, Parsi works and more. The Victorian building also has a separate reading room for students.
What makes it a bibliophiles heaven: They have a collection of old novels, newspapers and magazines dating back to the colonial period. The membership is super affordable, making it ideal for reading enthusiasts on a budget. It also has tailored membership deals ideal for students.
Membership: You can sign up for the membership plan at the library itself.
Fee: A lifetime membership is INR 1,500, out of which INR 1,000 is refundable. To join the student corner, the fee is INR 200, INR 500 and INR 1,500 for one month, three months and six months respectively.
When to swing by: Students can access it from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm as well as on Sundays and public holidays from 8 am to 6 pm. Non-students can access it from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 9 am till 1 pm. Magazine and book reading is from 8 am till noon.
One of the best places for books on environment and natural history.
Where: Colaba.
The library has a large collection of academic and non-academic work on various aspects of natural history, geography, botany and more.
What makes it a bibliophiles heaven: They stock old manuscripts, lithographs as well as academic material by renowned scholars, ideal for someone with a niche interests.
Membership: Head onto the library to sign up as a member. They have an orientation of sorts for new members, where the members are shown around and acquainted with how the library works.
Fee: Members can borrow out two books with a security deposit of INR 750. Non members are charged a visiting fee of INR 50 per day.
When to swing by: From Monday and Friday, between 9:30 am to 5:30 am.
Online Libraries
If you’re a homebody and would rather curl up in bed with a good read, then online library services are just for you.
I. Bookelphia
This is a service that has tons of suggestions for you to choose from, depending on what genre you pick. Then they facilitate dropping the book off and picking it up once you’re done. The website also has reviews of each book by other readers, and you can also donate books from your collection to be a part of the rotation.
Click here for more information.
II. Librarywala
Claiming to be India’s biggest book rental services, they have almost 75,000 books in their inventory. Membership costs INR 499, and according to the plan you pick, you can read upto 12 books a month! You can even gift a membership to a friend, which the website aptly says, is a gift that is ‘never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.’
For their various plans and their prices, click here.
Bookstores and Book Cafes
I. Wayword & Wise, Ballard Estate.
The bookstore, unlike others, isn’t stocked with the usual popular titles you’d expect to see. The founders carefully curated the space for those looking to explore beyond the usual, with books like Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto; The Book of Imaginary Beings by Jorge Luis Borges, as well as many graphic novels. They also have a good collection of culinary books exploring food from various communities, as well as titles by the likes of Anthony Bourdain.
Opening hours: 11 am to 7:30 pm.
II. Trilogy, Lower Parel.
Located in the Raghuvanshi Mills complex in Lower Parel, this bookstore and library tries to highlight lesser-known Indian writers and is known for its non-fiction section - think wildlife, photography, and a host of magazines. If you opt to become a member, you get to select a design for your card and personalise it just the way you’d like. You can also use the space for any literary centred event of your choosing. This is a bookstore that really tries and gets to know you as a reader, and you’ll be sure to have someone recommend a read to you if you simply cannot make up your mind.
Opening hours: From 11 am to 8:30 pm.
III. Smoker’s Corner, Fort.
This historical book nook that opened in the 1950s got it’s name from a cigarette shop nearby, making it a popular smoke break spot. It thrived in the 80s and 90s, and was apparently even visited by thespian power couple Naseeruddin Shah and wife Ratna Pathak-Shah. It stocks a range of second-hand comic books, pulp-fiction, children’s titles and storybooks among others. Smoker’s corner is definitely a must-visit for those who want to stock up their collection on a budget.
Opening hours: From 10 am to 8:30 pm.
IV. Title Waves, Bandra West.
This huge and modern renovated library and bookshop has a touchscreen kiosk with a customer interface so you know exactly where to find what you’re searching for and not get lost in 8,000 square feet of just books. We applaud their drive to make book hunting as easy as possible for a customer. This store also organises talks and events throughout the year and have plenty of CDs and DVDs to choose from.
Opening hours: Everyday 10 am to 9 pm.
V. Obataimu, Kala Ghoda, Fort.
If you’re all for sustainable, conscious fashion, this is the store for you. Whilst being a completely “made to order” boutique that has no wastage, Obataimu also functions as an independent bookstore with a collection of books you simply cannot find anywhere else. From books on all the different mushroom species identified today, to homemade medicine manuals, cookbooks and Japanese fashion from the 60s - they’ve got something for everyone. For a regular update on what they have in store, follow their instagram page here.
Opening hours: Everyday from 11 am to 8:30 pm.
VI. Granth, Santacruz.
A welcoming staff, an eclectic and contemporary book collection, a chic and sober European style store, Granth is a lot more than just a bookshop. This space also serves as an art gallery, and a venue for music concerts, talks and book launches. What’s more is that they serve one of the best cappuccinos in town - the most crucial element on a Sunday book crawl.
Opening hours: Everyday from 10 am to 9 pm.
VII. Prithvi Theatre , Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road.
Just a few metres from the beach, in a small kiosk in front of the theatre and the delicious, budget friendly and beautiful café, lies a quaint little bookshop. The collection mostly consists of novels and plays from international authors. What is especially unique is their space dedicated to children’s books - giving you enough to browse through while waiting for your show to start. We recommend this bookstore as a part of the entire experience that is Prithvi Theatre.
Opening hours : Everyday from 11 am to 10 pm.
VIII. Kitab Khana, Fort
This bookshop and café (called Food for Thought) located in the heart of South Bombay has became a must-visit place for travellers as far as this neighbourhood is concerned. Offering a wide collection from contemporary books to classics in English or in regional languages, this 150-year-old structure is what you would expect from an old library. From their warm interiors, walls filled with books and authentic bookshelves to the customer service, which can help you with any request - this is the epitome of a bibliophile’s paradise.
Opening hours : Everyday from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm.
More than half a century old, this bookshop is still open and attracts readers thanks to it offbeat prices. If you have membership at Bargain Book Hut, you have an even greater chance at discounts. Their collections ranges across all genres - art, design, health, cookery, philosophy, management, as well as niche subjects such as astronomy, gardening, fashion, photography, to name a few. A special section of the store is dedicated to showcase their extensive range of children’s books. We highly recommend this store when you’re cash strapped and in search for something new to read.
Opening hours : Everyday 11 am to 9 pm.
X. Bombay to Barcelona Library Cafe, Marol.
The cafe was started by the inspiring Amin Sheik, a street child who went through tremendous hardship and abuse. The cafe employs street children, and everyone takes home equal pay. The beautiful space has a library where people can take books if they replace it with another, along with a personalised review and note on what they thought about it. The cafe also serves scrumptious dishes like muffins, sandwiches, patata bravas, and bhajiyas.
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm.
XI. Leaping Windows, Versova.
Leaping Windows is India’s first and only library dedicated solely to comic books. If you’re a comic book fan, you can bet there’s a good chance you’ll find whatever you want here. And we’re not just talking about mainstream stuff like Archie or Tintin — we’re talking real comic book gold: Manga titles like Vampire Knight, Usagi, and Lady Snowblood, and graphic novels spanning the Marvel and DC universe along with other titles like John Woo’s Seven Brothers. Plus, the café serves good, honest, home-style food. Talk about a win-win.
Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am.
Book Clubs
While solitary reading has its own charms, I’m sure many of us would like to meet fellow readers, to discuss and debate books or simply to have a chat over what we loved about our recent read. The culture of book clubs hasn’t died down in the modern age, with people still taking time out of their lives to socialise and keep alive the magical habit of reading.
With over 1,900 members, this club has had about a hundred meet-ups so far. As their page suggests, the group is for ‘all book lovers who would like to come together under one roof and exchange their books with each other. Its a great way to meet new people, discuss about books, get rid of your old books and take something new back home.’
See here for more information.
This volunteer-led initiative has chapters across the country, in cities like Delhi, Pune and Chennai. It’s a space where you can bring whichever book you like and talk about it, and others do the same, leading to a healthy exchange of ideas. They also hold meet-ups around specific themes, books or authors.
Stay updated on their events through their Facebook page.
This is one of the most active book clubs in the city founded by Nirav Mehta and Ankush Saxena in 2016. They have properly organised meet-ups every fortnightly, and have held over 60 plus events so far on various themes. This Sunday on the November 25th, 2018, they have a poetry reading with contemporary poet Ranjit Hoskote at Doolally Taproom, Khar.
The club was started by Nirav Mehta in order to promote awareness and appreciation of various vernacular as well as translated works that have gone unnoticed. It has a great online presence, a great place to start if you’re looking to explore the wonderful world of regional literature.
See their Facebook page here.
The Juhu Book club has been having regular meet-ups and discussions since 2006, around interesting themes and books. Their September books were “historical fiction on the life and times of Omar Khayyam & the FT’s James Crabtree’s book on India’s ‘robber barons’’. They post reports of their interesting discussions on Facebook, and even have a blog with reviews on books of different genres.
Started by three die-hard Doctor Who fans (as you can tell by the name), this book club arranges meets around curated themes not limited just to science-fiction. The theme for November is ‘not being a sh*t— towards yourself or others’, focusing on books that involve wellness and development. They also pick particular books to focus on for each month.
You can keep updating on their activities through their twitter and facebook page.
Special Mention:
An interesting project by Nirav Mehta, it aims to capture the stories of people and their personal journeys with books and reading. The touching stories from readers of all walks of life are definitely something we can relate to, to acknowledge how a good book can take us through the ups and downs of life and much more.
Check out the collection of stories on their Facebook page.
Feature image courtesy of Zomato
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