India's favourite lending library comes to town

You won’t stumble upon the Eloor lending library by accident, tucked away in a dusty bylane behind the South Extension market. But the tiny door leads to a veritable Aladdin’s cave of reading riches.

Library, did we say? This feels like a classy bookstore, down to an antique-style glass cabinet to hold your tote. But what sort of library refuses to give you a membership card? The sort that catches you on webcam and your signature via electronic stylus. And that humongous monitor dangling from the ceiling? That’s the catalogue, silly.

Every bookish thrill in mint condition. New additions, bestsellers, classics, sci-fi and fantasy, romances and chick-lit, children’s books, comics (Sandman, Herge, every last Asterix), travel guides, art, and recipes (Nigella or Madhur or Jamie?) The total was 17,000 last Trendy was here, and they’re aiming for 70,000.

Choose well — they’re yours for a fortnight. Don’t damage them, or you’ll pay to keep ‘em.

Eloor Lending Library, D-31South Extension — Part I, New Delhi 110049. Telephone: 4134 9188/9199/9099/9098.
No membership fee. Refundable deposit of Rs. 1,000 entitles you to choose books worth Rs. 1,500 and pay a 10% reading fee on its price tag. Online catalogue and home delivery coming soon.