Bangalore’s offbeat bookstores : A walking trail

Books have long been a cherished presence in this city. Bangalore boasts a vibrant community of avid readers, with an abundance of creative book clubs, cosy tiny libraries, and a sprawling book market. In a recent Traveller article published in August 2023, Malavika Bhattacharya delved into the transformation of parks into serene reading havens. She beautifully captured the essence of these gatherings, exemplified by the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of events like “Cubbon Reads.” Every Saturday, as the sun graces the city, individuals from all corners of Bangalore converge for a unique experience—reading together. Unlike traditional book shop with formal agendas and structured discussions, this gathering is a simple yet profound union of people who share the joy of reading in peaceful camaraderie.

 

Bangalore’s thriving literary scene owes its vitality to the city’s esteemed educational institutions, diverse populace, tech-savvy atmosphere, literary extravaganzas, an abundance of libraries and bookshops, inviting climate, and a deep-rooted tradition of storytelling. This confluence of factors positions Bangalore as a leading haven for literary devotees in India. However, what truly astonishes me is the enduring popularity of physical bookstores in a city renowned as the birthplace of Flipkart, India’s online retail giant. Here, historic bookshops with extensive collections maintain a steadfast and ever-growing clientele. Church Street, Bangalore’s quintessential weekend hotspot, boasts an impressive cluster of colossal bookstores, all conveniently nestled within mere metres of one another. Destinations like Blossoms, Bookworm, and Gangarams beckon all who stroll down these iconic streets, making them an irresistible draw for book enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Select Book Shop, Second Floor – Original

 

SELECT BOOK SHOP

In a rare case of perfect social media targeting, I came across a post about a tiny bookstore hidden away behind the famed Brigade Road. Select Book Shop is run by Mr. KKS Murthy, a 94-year-old man, with the support of his son. A small store with two floors, the fragrance of old pages and towering walls of books transports one to a time unknown. Select is one of the oldest bookstores in Bangalore, older than independent India. On a quiet Sunday afternoon, I had the great fortune to talk to Mr. Murthy himself over a cup of coffee. He sat across from me in his patented suit and narrated from the days of his father Mr. KBK Rao, a lawyer based in Andhra Pradesh. Mr. Rao’s initial venture began modestly within the confines of his family residence on Museum Road, in 1945. Approximately seven years down the line, he decided to relocate it to the bustling MG Road. After some considerable back-and-forth and a brief sojourn in Malleswaram, the store eventually found its enduring home on Brigade Road, where it has remained ever since. As we conversed, Mr. Murthy fondly recollected his formative years, when his enduring love affair with books first blossomed. He revelled in pride as he thought back to the shop’s visitors, especially the great philosopher J. Krishnamurthy. 

 

Select Book Shop – Original

 

He recalled a time when C.V. Raman visited the store on MG Road, bumping his head and he walked past the small framed door. He says, “My father apologised but he said, no problem, I always love this place. Even if you hit me twice, I won’t mind.” When asked what set Select apart, Mr. Murthy discussed the collection of rare books. He says that most of his customers come looking for titles or editions that you can only ever find in a store like this. He also spoke about his connection with the celebrated author Ruskin Bond urging me to look through his files to find the one containing evidence of their correspondence. It’s my greatest displeasure to announce that I couldn’t find them, but I’m resilient to keep hunting. When asked why he never expanded the store, Mr. Murthy took a minute and showed me his daily sales. He had sold 5 titles that racked up a bill of 5500 rupees. He said, “We are happy”. 

 

Mr. Murthy and his Son – Gulf News

 

The store has a beautiful collection of classic, old editions of famous books, signed copies and magazines from the 1970s. It’s a magical time capsule, set in a small room with old walls and haphazard towers, begging you to dig through them. 

 

BLOSSOMS

My next stop was Blossoms. A peculiar store that has won the hearts of Bangaloreans for the past two decades, the chain has three outlets on church street itself. Blossoms is your one-stop shop for everything, new, old, academic, romantic, comics and even posters and postcards. The original store on church street is on the third floor, encompassing over 9000 sqft. Yet, it was packed to the brim. 

 

Blossoms Bookstore – Original

 

Blossoms in Bangalore isn’t merely a store; it’s a living, breathing cultural icon. Sharad, a 28-year-old finance professional, vividly traces the origins of his profound bond with this establishment back to his childhood, when he embarked on weekly trips with his parents. At Blossoms, every nook and cranny tells a story, with patrons of all ages patiently nestled amidst towering shelves, engrossed in quiet contemplation as they explore the vast literary treasure trove it offers. A Tumblr page titled “Overheard at Blossoms” beautifully encapsulates the deep emotional connection that readers have forged with this beloved establishment.

 

Mr. Mayi Gowda, the proprietor of Blossoms, graciously guided me to a tranquil enclave within his store, where we embarked on a captivating conversation about the origins of this literary haven. Mr Gowda’s journey to Bangalore began with aspirations of becoming an engineer, but fate had a different plan in store. Hailing from a humble village near Mysore, he narrated how his family’s limited means didn’t hinder his father’s determination to see him achieve greatness. Arriving in the city, he discovered his calling amidst the footpath booksellers, offering his assistance during breaks from college. Gradually, his ambition grew, and in 2002, Blossoms evolved into an official bookstore.

 

Mr. Mayi Gowda, Blossoms Bookstore – Indian Express

 

Recalling the initial two challenging years when breaking even was a formidable task and navigating the uncertainties of online retail, Mr Gowda proudly extolled his store’s unwavering resilience. His faith rests firmly in the loyalty of his customers. When asked about what sets Blossoms apart in the market, he enthusiastically spoke of their extensive collection of second-hand books. He emphasised that while shops like Select existed, he aimed to diversify the selection with colloquial titles, enriching the literary landscape for all.

 

Just a mere ten steps down the road stands another literary gem known as Bookworm, presided over by Mr. Krishna Gowda. When inquired about the competitive dynamics between these neighbouring bookstores, Mr. Miya shared a remarkable tale of their shared origins. The duo kickstarted their journey into the world of books side by side, manning the same pavement stall in alternating shifts as one pursued college studies. After three years, they decided to chart their distinct paths, each establishing their flourishing bookstores.

 

Eventually, I made my way to Bookworm, only to witness a book reading performed by writer and journalist, Shobha Narayan. As she sat there discussing her new novel Namma Bangalore, a woman stood next to the door serving the attendees snacks, people crowded the seating area and some quietly slipped down the aisles to get to their favourite sections. 

 

Namma Bangalore Reading by Shobha Narayan, Bookworm – Original

 

In our contemporary era dominated by E-readers and audiobooks, it never ceases to amaze me how the allure of physical bookstores continues to draw throngs of avid readers. These traditional brick-and-mortar establishments offer a tangible and immersive experience that transcends the convenience of digital reading. The tactile sensation of turning pages, the scent of ink and paper, and the serendipitous discovery of hidden literary gems create an atmosphere that fosters a profound connection between readers and books.

 

Walking around these bookstores, exchanging stories, overhearing conversations and just quietly sitting in a corner and reading the most thrilling novels threw me into an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. Thus, I plan to indulge myself every week because you can never own too many books, right?

 

Second Floor, Select Book Shop – Original

 

REFERENCES – 

1. Bhattacharya, M. (2023). Parks & Recreation: Bengaluru’s Quiet Reading Communities. Traveller, Conde Nast.
2. Satyavrat KK. (2017). What three second-hand bookshops on the same street say about Bengaluru’s reading culture. Scroll.
3. Overheard At Blossoms – Tumblr