#WorldBookDay: Nothing can replace the magic of books, say Ahmedabad booksellers

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They say that even youngsters like to buy books and it’s a great sign

Box Park, SG Highway

IIM Road

Kamleshbhai, a second-generation bookseller on the footpath outside IIMA, whose father used to sell books at Ravivari, has been into this business for 40 years. He shares, “I may not be literate, but I sell knowledge. My family has been here since I can remember. University students come here for anything they need-old papers, textbooks, course preparation books, novels etc. Sometimes, if I don’t have a particular book, they place orders and we deliver later. We have a good network among a few booksellers in the city. While people aren’t into reading much these days, we have managed to survive thanks to our old clients.”

While it’s the era of smartphones and e-readers, nothing can replace the smell and soulful experience that a book provides. On World Book Day, we take a look at how little bookstores and libraries in Ahmedabad continue to attract bookworms.

‘It’s such a joy when readers find a book they wanted to read’

From the bustling crossroads of Fernandes Bridge and jam-packed Ravivari market to peaceful corners like Reader’s Corner in an old commercial building at Law Garden and book fairs across the city, these libraries without the confines of walls are must-visit places for bibliophiles. Most of the books are hand-me -downs from previous generations which are affordable to all. One can even find rare classics, timeless magazines, encyclopaedias and more. Besides, buying second-hand books is a sustainable practice. These makeshift stalls don’t just sell books, they sell memories, dreams, and a bit of a rebellion against the digital revolution.

Rehmanbhai, a stall owner who has been selling books for over 25 years at Ravivari, says, “You may not know what you will find and that’s the magic. Sometimes, people come for textbooks and leave with works of Tolstoy and Shakespeare. Sometimes, it’s the other way around. It is a joy to watch the readers feeling excited when they find a book that they wanted to read. We buy and sell books which the readers provide and get different editions of the same book and even pirated versions.”

‘We get a lot of young readers too’

Deepak Jain, who has a makeshift stall in the parking lot of Box Park at Gota, says, “This is a prime hub where people come to eat and shop. Watching so many books draws people in for a conversation and most of the time, they end up buying books. We have a good collection of latest books, so we get a lot of young readers too. Right now, Manga and Marvel comics are much in demand along with classic comics like Asterix and Archie. The younger generation is catching up on reading, which gives hope to the lost art of reading.”

Pooja Mathur, a literature student, shares, “I usually go to Fernandes Bridge for the classic literature books. I find them quite cheap and at times, I get good offers too. Some of the vendors also exchange the books bought from them, which is a sustainable option. For me, no e-reader can replicate the joy of bargaining for a book.”

-Ancela Jamindar

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