Independent bookstores in Mumbai every bibliophile must check out

As the world celebrates Independent Bookshop Week till June 26, here’s a guide to the operational standalone bookstores in Mumbai. Show them some love in these tough times

A fresh start

After a tumultuous 2020 and an unfortunate fire in December, Fort bookstore Kitab Khana had resumed operations in March this year, only to have to shut down again amidst the restrictions of the second wave. Now, the store has reopened for browsing and home delivery. “We reopened on June 3, and as per government restrictions, we’re working at 30 per cent capacity. Compared to last year, business has been better. Though visitors are a few regulars, the number of books bought by each is more,” reveals T Jagath, chief operating officer. The store has also enabled ordering books via apps like Instagram and Whatsapp. Through their social media presence, the store conducts virtual events and online book releases.
Time: Weekdays, 11 am to 4 pm
Log on to: @kitabkhanabooks on Instagram

Ahalya Naidu Momaya (left) and Meethil Momaya, owners of Trilogy. Pic courtesy/ Trilogy Library and Bookstore on Facebook

New alternatives

Co-owner of Bandra-based bookstore Trilogy Ahalya Naidu-Momaya believes that the store is not ready for walk-ins, and has switched operations to the digital space for the near future. As a curated bookshop that approaches bookselling with a personal touch, socially distancing from customers may not always be possible, she believes. “As soon as customers walk in, we end up chatting and looking for books together while pulling out titles the customer wants to read,” she shares. The store has continued to offer pick-up and delivery options pan-India, and for customers signed up to their loyalty programme, they send out books as gifting options too. “Readers share their preferred theme or genre, budget and time frame, on the basis of which we send them a selection, via WhatAapp or email. They can come by and pick it up curbside, or have it delivered,” she explains.
Time: Tuesday to Sundays,  11 am to 6 pm 
Email: books@teltrilogy.com 

At your door

Bandra-based Title Waves is welcoming visitors. Customers can also order books over the phone or via their Instagram handle. 
Time: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
Log on to @titlewavesbandra on Instagram

Suburban bliss

Juhu’s Granth bookstore is offering home-delivery through Wefast. You can also walk into the store to browse.
Time: Weekdays, 9.30 am to 4 pm
Log on to: info.juhu@granth.com
Call: 26609377

Happy browsing

Happy Book Stall in Bandra is open to visitors for browsing and for home delivery. To order, call or message them on WhatsApp with your preferred title to have it delivered to your doorstep. Orders are taken all week, but the shop remains shut on weekends. 
Time: Weekdays, 11 am to 4 pm
Call: 9820812338

SoBo gem

Wayword & Wise, near Ballard Estate, is open to walk-ins and for home deliveries across the city. Orders can be placed via call and WhatsApp on all days except Sunday. You can name your book, or browse through their online catalogue to choose a title. 
Time: Weekdays,  10 am to 4 pm
Call: 9321450393

Libraries Genres galore

Roxy Library in Mulund West is a circulating library that offers books in multiple languages and genres. The library delivers books across Mulund and Thane on all days except Sundays. 
Time: Weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm
Call: 25609114 
Log on to: roxylibrary.com

Walk-in or call home 

Mahim’s Victoria Music House and Circulating Library delivers titles across Mahim. It is open for browsing from Mondays to Saturdays. Place your orders over call or WhatsApp. 
Time: Weekdays, 10 am to 4 pm
Call: 7947116968

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