19 May,2009 09:30 AM IST | | Omi Gurung
With user-friendly online libraries gaining popularity in this tech-savvy city, the new reading room is anywhere and everywhere
In a city ofu00a0 tech savvy people, user-friendly online libraries are redefining reading culture. They help bookworms easily find a title of their choice, they offer door delivery and pick-up of books, and they customise packages for members.
How they work
Virtual libraries can be accessed from anywhere in the city. They allow you to browse, they reserve books for you and send updates to you with the latest information on new titles. Rajib Jain (24), entrepreneur, says, "Online libraries are a blessing because they save me time and money. I don't have to confront traffic jams on my way to pick up my favourite books."
Easy Lib, Bangalore's first online rental library, is the brainchild of Vani Mahesh who decided to club two of her passions books and technology and turn them into a profitable venture. With over 18,000 books and 40 different genres covering fiction, non-fiction, self help, philosophy, best-sellers and children books, Easy Lib also operates as an offline library. "We have more than 2,800 registered members comprising children, teenagers and young professionals from different walks of life," says Vani. "These days readers like to explore different genres. We offer them variety," she adds.u00a0 The library also has regular story telling sessions for kids and organises a writer's meet once a month.
At: 4th Block, Koramangala, ST Bed Layout
Call: 4110 2231
www.Librarywala.com is an online circulating library, with over 8,000 titles.u00a0 While books on business management, self help, health and sports are popular, the fiction section finds devoted readers too. Offers like High 5, where you can introduce five new members to the library and get your fees waivedfor a year, have proved to be big hits. Pooja Raj (21), journalism student, says, "I always loved reading but there were no libra ries near my house. An online library is the answer to my prayers because of the convenience factor."
At: Opp, Bank of Baroda, Frazer Town
Call: 4144 0033
The British Library offers fabulous books on management, medicine, law, engineering , computers and a range of subjects. The library is fully automated and the online catalogue provides all the list of titles available. They have more than 17,000 titles to choose from. The books can be ordered, reserved and renewed online.
At: Opp Visweswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Kasturba Road
Call: 22489220
Book Boutique is a premium book, magazine and children's CDs library in Kundanhalli, Brookefields. The online store has more than 3000+ titles. You can read the book at leisureu00a0 as there are no late fines or due dates. According to Vikrant, librarian at Book Boutique, "There are around 467 members and the membership fee starts from Rs 100."
At: Opp Lakme Beauty Salon, Brookefields
Call: 9741895926
www.bookbonline.com
Just browsing
E- Library
www.easylib.com
www.librarywala.com
www.library.britishcouncil.org.in
www.library.bub.ernet.in
E-Book Club
www.blrebookgroup.blogspot.com
www.opencoffeeclub.org
www.teacher.scholastic.com/clubs
www.shelfari.com
