Contemplating Switching Libraries

I have been a loyal member of Eloor Library from the time it first presented itself on my horizon (almost 15 years ago). It’s been a long and fruitful partnership on both sides – I get to read a lot of wonderful books that are not always stocked in Indian libraries; the library makes a bucketful of cash because of the amount of late-charges that I end up paying. I am not really the fastest of readers, I like to take my time with a book and happily ignore the 2 week lending time on my books.

In my mind, so far there has been no equivalent/competing library in India. That is, until the arrival of the shiny, new kid on the block – Just Books. In Bangalore, this library has spread rapidly with a number of franchises throughout the city. And one opened up pretty close to my house early this year.

Still not good enough to attract my attention. I thought the prices were on the high side, and there did not seem to be enough variety of books to justify the pricing.

And then last week, something changed within me. All these years I have uncomplainingly driven the 10km stretch over crappy traffic-logged roads twice a month to Eloor Library. But last week, with my hubby grumbling loudly, and a record 2 hour commute to the library and back, I realized (or was made to realize by the hub) that this routine is just not working.

The very next day, he steered me over to Just Books in Indra Nagar and we went through the registration details with the librarian in charge. This time something inside me went hmmm…on first glance the rates do seem expensive, however there are a lot of services on offer. Here are some things that intrigued me:

  • They have a variety of sign-up rates depending on your reading habits. I was pretty interested in the annual Rs.3000/- plan. It allows me to checkout upto 3 books and a magazine at any one time. There is no deposit system with this plan, which means there is nothing to lock me into the library after the year’s period is up.
  • With this plan, there is no charge on individual book withdrawals (something that is a bit of a bane with Eloor Library). This means that I can opt for hardcover versions of books or the latest newly-published without having to pay any premiums. There are also no late charges. I can hold a book for as long as I want without any late penalties (yippee yay!)
  • Just Books has a decent reading room as well as a good selection of children’s books (much better than Eloor).
  • They also have a very strong online presence, allowing me to reserve books online, and getting them delivered to my house (unalloyed bliss!)

So, what has me hesitating? Why haven’t I made the shift yet? Why is the thought of walking up to the Eloor librarian and demanding my deposit back and closing the account making me feel strangely sick inside?

Stupidly sentimental me is finding it hard to let go of something that has been a part of my reading life for so long. In addition, I still feel that Eloor has the better selection of adult books; they do stock more serious literature, and have a wider variety of classics. Just Books seems to fill up their library with a number of copies of the latest bestsellers; but don’t seem to have some of the more obscure books. The librarian does promise that they procure books on demand, so I suppose the lack of readily available books should not be an issue.

However, the commute to Eloor was tolerable when my life was simpler (read as no baby, and no household chores). Now, it is becoming impossible for me.

So, what do you suggest? Have any of you patronized either of these libraries? What do you think? Specifically would like feedback from patrons of Just Books.

Adding a poll to encourage more responses 😊

18 comments

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  1. Mae

    I didn’t realise India didn’t have a free public library system … or am I wrong? It makes me much more grateful for the libraries we have here. And there I was, grumbling I had to pay a 25 cents late fee for each day I’m late with an item.

    I think you should go with Eloor. It’s much closer to home and the money (and time) you save you can spend on new books! 🙂

    • Nish

      @Mae: No, the only free public libraries we have are associated with universities and those mostly stock academic books. Also, they are free only for students of that particular univ.

      Yes, the public libraries in US are really awesome, huge, great stock, and lovely reading rooms. Unfortunately, we don’t have those here 🙁

  2. Shweta

    I think Just Read would be a better option. As for less well stocked you can ask them to get the books. Nowadays libs do consider reader’s choices and get them . If they have home delivery I wouldn’t think twice:)

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  4. Elizabeth

    I had taken books from Eloor without becoming a member. I agree that Eloor has extensive collection of books compared to JustBooks.

    JustBooks have some advantages too – online presence, easy issue/return using the kiosk, one time payment ( i paid 3000k), can have 4 books at one time, no late payment, home delivery/pickup..moreover you can request them to acquire books

    So I decided to stick with JustBooks…traffic jams in Bangalore is a big turn off.

  5. Smita

    I chose Just Books for you!!! Don’t go in for both the libraries because am sure it wud be wastage of money! Once u get the benefit of a library that’s nearer you wouldn’t want to go far off!!!

    • Nish

      @Smita: I am also thinking on those lines. I really don’t want the hassle of membership in two libraries

  6. Palendia

    I think you should get both and visit Eloor once a month or twice every three months depending on your kids situation and housework.

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  7. Josette

    I agree with Let’s Read, you could limit your visits to Eloor library. Wow, 15 years membership is amazing. I admire your grit to travel 10km each time to get there. There’s a small library near my home which is about 15 mins away and I rarely go there. :/

    Good luck in making your final decision! And I have an award for you.

  8. Jenny

    I don’t know in either case – but might the fact of no late fees also mean that you would have trouble getting books once they were checked out? I am always weeping and gnashing my teeth over people not returning books to the library fast enough so that I can read them next, and that’s with late fees in place.

    • Nish

      @Jenny: That’s a very valid point. I didn’t think of that. Hmm…I definitely do not like the thought of waiting indefinitely for a book. How frustrating

  9. couchpapaya

    I voted for both since with Eloor being a one-time membership (this might have changed) you could pick up books when convenient. And I’d find a friend who lived near the place so you could return your books on time 😀

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  11. Let's Read

    why don’t you get both and just visit the Eloor once every a month only…

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