The case of the disappearing libraries in Mumbai

Remember the narrow aisle in that musty old library, the hardwood floors and that wide shelf of hardbound books? With a limited number of physical libraries in Mumbai, city dwellers have found a new answer to their woes. E-books, e-reading and the perfect alternative — e-libraries. But, is that enough?

Today, people are more inclined toward building their own library. "Mostly because of the dearth of libraries nearby, I don’t visit or issue books out anymore. I don’t like e-books because it snatches away an essential part of reading for me. So, for the last few years, I have been buying books," says Ashmita Sengupta, an engineer. Stephanie Samuel, a voracious reader agrees that buying books is an option for people who want space and time while reading.

"I can’t adhere to the limited time you can keep a library book," she says. Shasvathi Siva, a content writer says she doesn’t like lugging a heavy book to work and reads on her e-reading device.
Demographics, inconvenience, weight, lack of time and variety seem to be the reasons why Mumbaikars don’t visit libraries anymore. This is where e-libraries cash in. For instance, British Council moved from a walk-in library to an e-library due to demographics.

"The city has expanded and gradually people have moved to the suburbs and even work there," says Abhishek Chandan, head of Mylibrary. Many are still in the favour of physical libraries — if only they had the time and option to go to one. "That fragrant whiff of yellowed paper often pulls me to a paperback," says author Mithun Mukherjee.

Suman Kalra, an NLP Practitioner, says of the warmth of libraries, "I think that the idea of a library in my head is far more beautiful than one that exists in reality. I imagine dark wood panelled walls, high ceilings and bookshelves spanning the length and breadth. Now I see a minimalist, ultra-modern, glass-doored one with rows of book shelves setting. Not my idea of a cosy, warm and inviting space."