What would the world be without books? Without libraries? Quoting Ray Bradbury, we would have no past and no future. Even in this hyper-connected world, libraries are indispensable.
I began reading books long before I learned how to read. I have been blessed to have been born into a family of voracious readers. Hot afternoons during summer vacations always meant everyone curled up with a book.
Over the years, as an army kid, I have had access to numerous libraries. Some small enough to fit into a single room. Some spread over two storeys. They were among the first we checked out while still living in the officer’s mess on new postings.
But some libraries will always have a special place in my heart. Read on as I celebrate the libraries that have shaped the reader I am.
Our Home Library
Our home library is our pride and joy. 53 years in the making and still going strong, you will find an incredible range of books. From Gray’s Anatomy (the book, not the series) to recipe books with drool-worthy pictures. From Young Children’s Encyclopedia and vintage World of Man Encyclopedia series to coffee table books. From 1950s editions to the recent bestsellers.
Book fairs and the Baal Mela contributed to the library when we were young. So much so that three full-size trunks were allotted to books. With time, our home library has expanded to a digital and audiobook one too. And across oceans and generations.
Here is a glimpse from my first set of books. The Young Children’s Encyclopedia from Britannica. Almost 50 years old, a bit dated, but this 16-volume series is still in pristine condition. A window to the world for my brother and me long before cable TV or internet.
My Grandparents’ Library
When I say my grandparents were voracious readers, I do not mean it lightly. They had a bookshelf in every room stocked to the brim. In the mid-1990s, as a 92-year-old, my grandfather’s optic nerves had degenerated and they could not be corrected with surgery. Not to be deterred, he found a contraption that was a magnifying glass with a built-in light and enjoyed his books and journals. It is all in our genes.
The library included rare books such as the out-of-print The Chiefs of Punjab and The Great Wars but also something for us kids – children’s classics, Enid Blytons, and comic books. In fact, it was also where I read my first romance book. A Barbara Cartland since it was considered chaste.
My fondest memories are the time when we would ‘refresh’ the bedroom bookshelf switching books with those in the living room. More often than not, we would always find a book or two that we hadn’t seen before. Sunday afternoons well spent.
The Children’s Park Library, New Delhi
Living right across Children’s Park and India Gate lawns was a dream come true for us kids. No doubt, a larger part of our vacations and holidays were spent there.
The Children’s Park Library along with the adjoining aquarium opened sometime in early 1985. By then, my father had been posted to Golconda and we were to join him in May. That meant my brother and I only had 3-4 months to read as many books as we could. The shiny new library still smelled of paint and barely had any footfall. Since we were not allowed to borrow books, we would spend most of our days at the library.
This was our first taste of a public library and the “rules”. That said, we enjoyed poring over the books trying to absorb as much as our young minds could.
The Centre Library, Golconda
We shouldn’t have fretted much since our next library was a delight. Among the perks of being an army kid is access to well-stocked libraries. The one that had the biggest impact was The Centre Library at Arty Centre, Golconda.
Spread over a 3000 sq foot area, it included a reading nook especially for kids. From classics to comic books to encyclopedias, it had it all. Not to miss the Asterix and Obelix, Tintin, Amar Chitra Katha, Indrajal Comics, Enid Blytons, Roald Dahls, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drews. I owe my extensive knowledge of Indian mythology to the Amar Chitra Kathas I first read there.
We were only allowed to issue four books and four comics at a time. My brother and I would pedal down on our bicycles almost 5 kilometers twice a day during the summer vacations. As we grew into our teens, the library grew with us transitioning from children’s books to young adult ones. It also introduced me to P.G. Wodehouse, Stephen King, and Douglas Adams among countless others. It has been over three decades but the library will always be special.
Hope you enjoyed my short trip down memory lane. I would love to hear about the libraries that impacted your reading. Do share in the comments below.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
August 24, 2023 @ 8:36 pm
Wow. The Young Children’s Encyclopedia from Britannica. Seriously, I remember wanting those and not being able to afford them back then. Hoping my kids love and make use of the little library I’ve built at home.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:03 pm
Those were such a treasure when we were kids 😊. I am sure your kids too will love your library.
August 25, 2023 @ 11:35 am
How lovely! The book looks so beautiful and you have kept it so carefully, wow. We didn’t have a public library in our locality (there was a place called Pustakalay but there were no pustaks). But our school had a one. We, too, had a home library, small one though. That room doesn’t exist anymore. My grandparents were avid readers ―my father and uncles too ―so I think that and the small home library inspired me to be a reader.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:06 pm
Thank you for sharing ypur memories too, Tarang 😊. It is quite amazing they survived decades although we would read them practically everyday. Maybe the books back then were more rugged. Thank you for stopping by.
August 25, 2023 @ 11:38 am
Reading your this post makes me feel delighted with my own memories of childhood. Ritu, you are not only a reader but you are also a book lover. I don’t think every reader is a book lover as you. Reading your bookish posts educates and enlightens us to fall in love with books and pursue the reading habit to grow as a human.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:07 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Swarnali 😊. You are too kind.
August 25, 2023 @ 3:03 pm
I couldn’t agree more with the sentiment that libraries are the heartbeats of knowledge and imagination. The nostalgia of hot summer afternoons spent immersed in the pages of a good book brings a smile to my face.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:08 pm
Absolutely Felicia 😊. We owe so much to the libraries of our childhood.
August 26, 2023 @ 3:36 pm
Libraries are such rejuvenating places. I remember going to study till my graduation days and then suddenly, they vanished from my life. Now, am back to reading again voraciously. Your grandfather must have been an avid learner to have not stopped reading, even though the optic nerves didn’t support his love. There is nothing like the scent of a book, it’s so heady. More reading power to you Ritu.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:10 pm
Thank you so much, Ambica 😊. Life happens and reading for pleasure does tale a back seat sometimes.
August 26, 2023 @ 4:24 pm
A big salute to the readers family. I have high respect for those who are read lovers and trust me the knowledge that they get filled with through books is far beyond imagination.
August 27, 2023 @ 7:50 pm
I loved your short trip down memory lane Ritu and I was approaching the end of the blogs n was wondering where yours was.
The short video is so nostalgic n you’ve preserved the books so well… it reflects your whole family’s love for them.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:12 pm
I am usually the bookend of the linky, Kaveri 😁. Thank you so much for your kind words.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:11 pm
Absolutely Flavia. Thank you so much 😊. As I said, it is in our genes.
August 26, 2023 @ 9:07 pm
The love for book for a child begins right from the home and Thankfully I am among those lucky kids who witnessed the presence and beauty of books from the very young age at home. My father remained inclined to literature since his childhood and wrote for many magazines and books. So my journey with books started from my home library. After that being the daughter of a teacher, I was privileged enough to read books from my Mother’s school library and my School Library. After that there was a vast gap of visiting Library till I landed with a job in Delhi and start visiting the CR park Kalibari Library . Books are love and now I am expanding the collection in my kitty with books in my personal library. Libraries are integral part of my life, Thank you Ritu for reminding me once again. Much love.
August 27, 2023 @ 10:29 pm
Being a bibliophile myself I can’t relate with you. Like you , I too started reading at an age that I can’t remember. So happy to find yet another crazy fellow bookworm
September 9, 2023 @ 10:16 pm
Likewise Rakhi. We are kindred spirits. 😊
September 9, 2023 @ 10:15 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and memories, Samata. 😊 Would be an honor to read your father’s writings.
August 27, 2023 @ 5:49 am
My reading was shaped by my dad’s library in Kolkata and my uncle’s library in Puri. Your nostalgic journey through various libraries is heartwarming. Your connection to books and libraries resonates deeply. The way you describe your family’s home library, your grandparents’ love for reading, and your experiences with different public libraries is endearing.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:17 pm
Thank you so much, Monidipa 😊. We have indeed been blessed by parents instilling their love for books in us.
August 27, 2023 @ 1:26 pm
I had been to only my school library. And then as a grow up we had a local library with limited edition of books. So my thirst to read is never satisfied rather I am happy whatever I get to read. When I got married my dreams come true to have a library at home. And yes we have small library. Your post is delighted and you are very lucky to have library at every place.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:21 pm
I have had the privilege being a fauji kid. One thing the army provides at almost every station is a well stocked library. Your girls are blessed to have a mom share her love for books with them. 😊
August 27, 2023 @ 4:09 pm
Wow that was an intriguing read. My home library was definitely a big shaping factor in my life. Other than that, I have enjoyed my school Library the most. I was also a member of the Indian Oil club library and have fond memories of reading their and getting exotic books for myself.
Never became a member in any Library in my adult life. I love strolling through book stores. And I am building one in my own home now, just like my mom’s book collection.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:23 pm
That is lovely, Mandira. 😊 Building one’s own collection is such fun and rewarding too.
August 27, 2023 @ 4:10 pm
Wow I loved reading this post. Your post made me nostalgic. I have a small library in my home and I try to collect books from different eras. Now, am back to reading again voraciously, as I enjoy reading good books in my free time.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:25 pm
Thank you so much, Pamela. 😊 Collecting books from different eras sounds so interesting.
August 27, 2023 @ 4:13 pm
PS, every medical student who loves to read, buys the Grays Anatomy. Actually it’s kind of a status symbol for us medicos 🤣 So is Bailey’s in surgery, Cambells in orthopedics and various other reference books in Pathology and other subjects. We hardly ever refer them, but owing them is a matter of pride!
September 9, 2023 @ 10:26 pm
Ha ha. And Doctors by Erich Segal. Yet to meet a doctor who hasn’t read the book. 😁
August 27, 2023 @ 4:51 pm
I absolutely resonate with this post! The thought of a world without books and libraries is just unthinkable. Ray Bradbury’s quote about having no past and future without them really hits home. Growing up in a family of readers, I, too, found solace and adventure within the pages of books. Your description of afternoons spent immersed in reading during summer vacations feels like a cherished memory from my own childhood.
Your first set of books, the Young Children’s Encyclopedia, brings a smile to my face. It’s incredible how books like those can become windows to the world, igniting curiosity and knowledge long before the digital age.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:29 pm
Absolutely Anjali. 😊 We sure need more libraries.
August 27, 2023 @ 6:09 pm
As a child i loved reading but as I grew up with more and more responsibilities having to juggle with work and personal life, reading have become of least interest to me. Reading your post makes me want to build a mini library for my little one to cultivate the habit of reading and also with him i can relive my childhood days and bring back the good habit I feel is lost this long.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:31 pm
Life happens, Karen. And other stuff takes priority over reading for pleasure. I am indeed humbled that post prompts you to build a mini library for your child. Thank you 😊
August 27, 2023 @ 7:21 pm
I have always wondered how you are able to read so much, Ritu and today I got the answer. Its the habit infused in childhood that has also grown with you plus the genetic makeup. Wonderful….lucky you and your brother! would love to see your currect bookshelf (bookshelves ) too.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:32 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Janaki. 😊 Will definitely share them. Starting with the one we call the library.
August 27, 2023 @ 7:43 pm
There are all incredible libraries. I have contributed to one too 😀 When I saw the encyclopedia, I knew we had to buy it. I miss the Arty Centre library. I was the best one we had.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:34 pm
Thank you for getting that series for us. Come to think of it, it is older than me. 😲
August 27, 2023 @ 8:20 pm
Ritu,I did not have a home library as we were not that well off but my love for books was handed down by our parents, we did have access to his office library and our school libraries where we could borrow a lot of books. In fact, it’s true that reading does change you as a person. I must say you were blessed in this regard.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:35 pm
Thank you so much, Preeti 😊. We were truly blessed to have access to such incredible libraries.
August 27, 2023 @ 9:09 pm
I so wish to be an example for my kids. They see me spend a lot of time with books a lot. My elder one wants to build her own mini library like Mamma! proudest I was when I heard that.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:38 pm
That is so precious, Sadvika 😊. Setting an example is incredibly important. Everyone around me was constantly reading so I picked a book although it was a picture book. 😁
August 27, 2023 @ 9:40 pm
libraries are what makes life of an introvert. Your trip down memory lane starting with your home library and libraries at different places was a trip of nostalgia without a doubt.
August 27, 2023 @ 9:40 pm
libraries are what makes life of an introvert. Your trip down memory lane starting with your home library and libraries at different places was a trip of nostalgia without a doubt.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:39 pm
Thank you so much Sivaranjini 😊
August 28, 2023 @ 12:02 am
My school library and my grandparents libraries together nurtured my love for reading anf finally helped me to shape my career. Always immensely grateful to those souls
September 9, 2023 @ 10:39 pm
We have indeed been blessed, Trinanjana. 😊
August 28, 2023 @ 4:50 pm
Your blog is a treasure trove of libraries. Mine is quaint, but I set it up.I had bought the full sets of Chidcraft and Young Scientist for my kids. Now I display them and ask the kids in the community to take and read them.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:41 pm
That is so lovely. Sharing books is the best thing ever. 😊❤ I recall we had a Space Adventures in your Home and would love trying out all those experiments.
August 29, 2023 @ 12:47 pm
Your post brings back such joyful memories of my own childhood, Ritu. Your posts about books inspire us and encourage a love for reading, helping us grow as individuals.
September 9, 2023 @ 10:42 pm
Thank you so much, Neelam 😊
September 4, 2023 @ 4:58 pm
We’re incredibly blessed to have great libraries as well here in Singapore. That’s one thing I appreciate the most especially raising our daughters cause that’s one thing that’s non-existent in the Philippines. I grew up enjoying libraries whenever we went on summer vacation in Japan. Happy to know you’ve got great libraries as well on that side of the world=)
September 9, 2023 @ 10:44 pm
Unfortunately libraries are dying. Too harsh but then we have more multiplexes than libraries around here. I do hope people rediscover their love for libraries.
January 15, 2024 @ 8:53 pm
A lovely post! My favourite library is and always will be 3L in Defence Colony. It was my best friend growing up!