A Community Institution

The City Central Library is a cozy public library located on Sampige Road. It stands as one of the oldest and largest libraries in Bangalore and operates under the Karnataka Government's Department of Public Libraries. The library has served as a valuable resource for the local community of both casual and avid readers since 1993. City Central Library falls under the north zone of Bangalore, which is one of five zones and houses around 45 libraries.

The Collection

The building is named after the father of library science, Dr. S Ranganathan. It stores a collection of over 60,000 books that are frequently accessed by its members, 8,000-9,000 of whom are regular, long-time supporters. These books account for 6% of the 'government assessed amount' that is set aside for all library-related expenditures. Some books also come in as public donations, but only a few actually make it to the collection.

A Space for All

The library has become a go-to spot, especially because it is recognized as a 'public' space and must cater to a diverse group of readers. Students preparing for exams, elderly fans of Kannada literature, everyday newspaper readers—the library brings together a community of readers while also providing a focused environment for those who need it.

Growth and Adaptation

Working alongside the development of the neighborhood, the library has changed in terms of its structure and outlook. Extra reading rooms have been added and the larger space has been extended to encourage a broader group of readers. The public library committee, made up of authors, publishers, MLAs, and commissioners, considers reader engagement when selecting and distributing books to libraries across the state. Specific book and magazine recommendations from readers are also added to the collection, enhancing readership and interest in the library space.

Memories and Nostalgia

Sunitha, the librarian in-charge at City Central since 2010, has seen and observed the same group of readers visiting over the years. Around 40% of visitors are recurring and go on to pursue different careers. Many of them visit the library and reminisce, remembering their usual seats, books they used to read, or what exams they were preparing for at the time. The fact that many visitors return with nostalgia for the space reflects how important such a place has become for the local neighborhood community. It represents something they can continue to look back on as a significant part of their memories in Malleswaram.

Digital Age Challenges

Changing reading habits due to the rise in digital alternatives such as audiobooks, Kindles, or online news apps have largely affected the relevance of physical libraries. The newspaper section especially, although visited by some regular readers, is seeing a decline in daily readership, particularly among newcomers. In efforts to adapt to this change, City Central has expanded to include a digital library that has simplified access to books when visits to the physical library are not possible. While this is a necessary development, Sunitha, based on her own observations, believes that the idea of physical libraries is "more comforting" for readers and sees much more engagement than the digital collection.

Part of the Neighborhood Fabric

In a busy neighborhood like Malleswaram, the library has become a place of casual curiosity or rest for people who happen to be around the area and have time on their hands. The vendors outside, some of whom have been selling footwear and other items for more than 20 years, in small ways bring more attention to the library. Subtle mentions by these vendors about the location of the library help customers map their shops in the area.

A Lasting Legacy

The City Central Library has served as a constant in Malleswaram's reading landscape for over three decades. As Sunitha's observations reveal, the library has witnessed generations of readers pass through its doors—from students to elderly literature enthusiasts—each finding a place within its walls. The recurring visits of these readers suggest that the library occupies a particular, prominent role in the neighborhood's collective memory—as a space beyond just a collection of books or magazines. It has become a space where Malleswaram's reading culture has been encouraged and preserved, building a community of readers since 1993.