I don’t like the sight of empty shop, especially where it is a book store. In the recent past I visited two such bookstore which wore a deserted look.

One is near Domlur flyover in Bangalore and another one near Over Bridge Junction in Trivandrum.

The book store in Bangalore is part of a big chain, but I was surprised to see very few customers. After browsing for a considerable time I ended with a pen, just b’cos I didn’t want to leave the store with an empty hand. At the counter, I forcefully started a conversation with the guy. I told that they could probably start a old book collection, where people can sell used books in a separate counter. He immediately dismissed the idea. My idea was simple – this would bring more visitors, esp people who have placed their books for sale.

The Story of Continental Book Store in Trivandrum

A decade or so back, I was a frequent visitor to Continental Book Store at Overbridge junction, Trivandrum. The visit happened mostly during evering on the first working day of the month. With my salary in hand ( all cash), I visit this store to buy pens, some stationery stuff. Sometimes, I just browse through the erotica session at the back end of the book store, etc.

In 2015, when I visited this place after a long-long gap, I was not surprised to find myself the only customer. The old charm of this big store is long gone. The book counter, the old inventory all speaks of its bad phase. Here again I went around the usual session opening up the picture erotica book, something I haven’t seen earlier. Yes, a new experience seeing erotic picture book.Have you seen one? It’s like a picture story book you have seen as a child. The castles and houses coming out of the book – here’s it’s hot stuff springing to action!

This time I took two cook book and at the counter I asked the young chap if he is part of the owner. I passed the same comment. Why not start a old book counter, which will bring more participants. He said, that old books are dusty and it will spoil other books. Probably, he is right from his side. But, I wanted more customer, more action. I just wanted to tell him… times have changed and all book store are facing the heat from online stores.

While walking back I thought I should have told a more convincing idea. So, here’s the plan to revive these book stores.And, I believe there are lot of folks in Trivandrum who just love to hang around old book stores looking for a good deal, or to exchange their collection. For inspiration, you can visit Blossom Book store in Church Street, Bangalore.

Anyways, here’s my plan:

1) Start a session dedicated to old books.
2) It could be rebranded as old and rare book section
3) Start a facebook page where you can post old, rare and high demand educational books
4) Post picture of new book arrivals
5) Invite authors for book reading session. In B’lore, Landmark is doing this exercise on a regular basis
6) Start a vintage comic book session ( there are many Indrajal Comic fans like me). I bet this could bring those people who love Mandrake, Bahadur, and  Amar Chitra Katha fans.
7) Once in a while, conduct a caricature or cursive writing workshop
8) Get a handwriting expert to visit the store and publicize this event on your Facebook page