The Little Free Library in Bangalore

Book lovers have another reason to rush to the popular Mahatma Gandhi Road-Brigade Road area.  

For all you know, you may end up finding that book that you were dying to read all these days in a small cabinet, thanks to an innovative library that opened on Sunday. And don’t worry, you needn’t spend a paisa. All you are expected to be is a responsible reader.  

Image Source : The Times of India

The Little Free Library (LFL) located on Brigade Cross Road is perhaps the first-ever such endeavour in the country. The LFL, nothing but a small book case, will remain there for 24 hours and seven days a week.  

LFL is an idea that prompts bibliophiles to put up small shelved structures outside their homes where people can take books and leave some too. LFL has the potential that involves more than reading: it can lead to a conversation, friendship and a sense of book lovers’ community.  

Stanley Ravi, LFL founder, wanted to provide a home to over 50 books lying with him, unused. “My wife was running a nursery school which was shut down some time back. When she started the school, I handpicked imported books from makeshift stalls in Hyderabad. I picked them thinking of my daughter. But after school was shut, these books were left just like that, with nobody to use them. I came across the idea of Little Free Library on the internet and found it as apt home for my books,” says Ravi.  

The library can be used by children, adults or the elderly. All that matters is sharing the joy of reading. The expectation is that those who pick one book for themselves will drop another book or two into the case.  

“It will be a joy in itself to see books being picked up and left back inside the cabinet. But this is not the end of it. I aspire to see at least a crore of LFLs mushrooming across India. It is a wonderful concept that should reach rural areas,” says Stanley.  

The Little Free Library awaits you at shop number 1 and 2, Brigade Cross Raod, opposite Harry’s Pub.