Think about libraries, and what comes to mind are long, dusty rows of somewhat mangled books, and grumpy librarians. But new generation libraries in Bengaluru are far different.

These libraries are not too high-brow, nor are they content with being collectors of classics or most popular reads alone. They engage with readers, consider their preferences while expanding collections, and are easily accessible with online book catalogues and door delivery options.

Suman H M, 19, second year degree student at Jyothi Nivas College, has been a member of Just Books library for the last one year. "They are convenient as I can opt for door delivery any time. But I prefer to go and collect books myself as the library is close to my home," she says. Just Books has 13 branches in Bangalore.

Suman had been a member of the Indian Institute of World Culture library for a long time before she shifted to Just Books. "Public libraries do not add to their collections often, most books are old and I could not find the kind of books I wanted to read."

Readers call the shots, and quickly

New age libraries which mostly popped up over the last decade, expand their collections often. More than owners' decisions, readers' recommendations decide which book makes it to the library. Some libraries publish book reviews in their websites.

Vani Mahesh, Founder of Easy Library in Koramangala, says, "Members read reviews online and suggest books even before they are released in India; we don't need to spoon-feed them. We decide on the number of copies depending on demand."

Bhavna Desai and Dileep Kumar founded Mylib.in in 2009. Pic: Navya P K.

Mylib.in, a two-year-old library in Jayanagar 9th block, takes an even more reader-centric approach. In its website, it has an option which allows members to order a book which the library does not own. The library will buy the book and lend to the person who ordered it, within seven days.

"We wanted to give more flexibility to readers. Some 50-100 books get published every week. We buy 40-45% of books ourselves based on reviews, current reading trends and pre-determined demand," say Bhavna Desai and Dilip Kumar, Founders of Mylib.in.

For whose those reserve books, they are made quickly available. Being online libraries, they do not have difficulty finding customers either. "There are readers from places as far as Hebbal and Yelahanka. They order books for home delivery, but drop in at the library once in a while," says Vani.

Tasteful ambience combats messy traffic

While many readers prefer online facility due to time constraints, they still like to come to libraries and browse books. In Easy Library, about half the customers use online facility, but not many restrict themselves to online or offline.

Some libraries also give spaces for socialization and ‘family time'. Shany Augustine, Founder of the library Fun n Books in Kothanur, says that mostly families come to the library together. Started in late 2010, the library has membership of 47 families now. She says that libraries can be an alternative for families to spend time together, as compared to malls.

Mylib.in also has space for people to sit and read, and discuss. The founders believe that ambience is important and that the traditional claustrophobic atmosphere of libraries should change.

Navya P K is a staff journalist.

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