The Gharda foundation library boasts of books spanning a wide range of topics, including philosophy, management and history
The Gharda foundation library boasts of books spanning a wide range of topics, including philosophy, management and history
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The lights of the sixth-floor bedroom in Gharda House don't go off until the wee hours of the morning. Rumour has it that its occupant, scientist Dr Keki Gharda, is immersed in reading one of the over 8,000 books that comprise his personal book collection.
Pics/ Ashish Rane
"Dr Gharda has read 99 per cent of the books in this library," says librarian Veena Divey, vouching for the 82-year-old's voracious appetite for reading. "We get 10 to 15 books from him every week," she adds.
When the library first opened two years ago, it was open only to the employees of Gharda Chemicals Ltd. It was thrown open to the public on January 29 of this year, after being redesigned, revamped and centrally air-conditioned.
Apart from the basement library launched by the Gharda Foundation, there is a reading room on the ground floor with four tables that can seat up to 16 people.
"We are working on having a reading room on the first floor that should seat up to 200 people," shares Veena.
To become a member, one has to pay a registration fee of Rs 100 and a security deposit of Rs 500, which is refundable. Members can borrow any book in the library for Rs 100 for a period of 14 days.
"They can seek an extension by another 14 days, after which they have to pay a nominal fine of Re 1. The point is to encourage people to read, and not for the books to lie at home," explains Veena, adding, "The library is in keeping with Gharda's philosophy, which is to make books your companions." As long as you remember to return them, once you're done.
At Gharda House, next to Elco Market, Hill Road, Bandra (W).
Call 26419309; Open from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm (library) and on Sundays fromu00a0 9 am to 5 pm.
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