City Library – British Council, Kasturba Gandhi Road
A vanishing world.
[Text and photos by Mayank Austen Soofi]
Here’s just the right place to while away a long horrible summer afternoon—for free.
But, to be fair, the books at British Council also tempt, with a pleasing collection of writers from the vast English-speaking world.
As you’d expect, there are two entire shelves devoted to Shakespeare. Perhaps more surprising is the impressive poetry section featuring works by almost all major non-American contemporary poets (there’s a vast collection of handsome poetry paperbacks published by the famed Faber & Faber).
Many patrons seem to be content tapping on their laptops rather than inspecting the book shelves themselves.
You may particularly enjoy settling down with the very latest print editions of leading British newspapers. There’s probably no other place in Delhi where you can do this so easily and feel like just any common Londoner turning over the pages of her city’s daily. Also delightful is to settle down on one of the library’s comfy chairs with a novel and occasionally look towards the window, marvelling at the brutal heat raging outside this snug Eskimo shelter.
While only members can borrow books, nobody asks for membership card if you simply wish to hang out there.
Before exiting, try to lounge for sometime in one of the library’s yellow bean bags. Perfect spot for a quick nap.
Reading in the colony
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