Booked and Hooked: How India’s Reading Culture is Writing a New Chapter

India is witnessing a vibrant resurgence in reading, propelled by a wave of reading communities and grassroots libraries that are redefining the way people engage with books. Despite the closure of iconic bookstores like Srinagar’s Bestseller, Delhi’s The Book Shop, and Lucknow’s British Book Depot—victims of online competition and shifting habits—new spaces for literary connection are flourishing across the country.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠Community-Driven Reading: Book clubs and silent reading communities, such as Lodhi Reads in Delhi and Silent Book Club in NCR, have sprung up post-pandemic, offering camaraderie and motivation to readers who once felt isolated.

 

•⁠  ⁠Rise of Community Libraries: Initiatives like the Bansa Community Library in Uttar Pradesh and the Mirzapur Community Library are democratizing access to books, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. These libraries serve as peaceful retreats and learning hubs, with thousands of members and daily visitors.

 

•⁠  ⁠Social Media and Bookish Trends: Platforms like Bookstagram, BookTube, and Indian reading groups on Reddit are making reading trendy and accessible, helping readers discover new titles and connect with fellow bibliophiles.

 

•⁠  ⁠Publishing and Retail Revival: The publishing industry is seeing double-digit growth in fiction, self-help, and business books, with Amazon India reporting a 15% year-on-year increase. Bookstores like Kunzum in Delhi are focusing on events and discovery, catering to both solitary and social readers.

 

Outlook:

India’s reading culture is being reinvented as a shared, joyful experience. With communities and libraries at the forefront, reading is no longer just an academic chore but a celebrated lifestyle, promising a bright future for India’s literary landscape.

 

Source: Financial Express