Exploring Pune's Bookstore and Book Community Scene: A Comprehensive Guide
Shifting to a new city can be daunting. Upending your entire life and moving to a new place is not easy. The things that we consider trivial, end up mattering a lot: A decent barber, a budget hygienic restaurant, the nearest wine shop, etc. We have to find and get accustomed to these new places.
For readers, some additional things are required, like finding the nearest independent bookstores, a second-hand book stall ( for budget constraints ), or a library ( for space constraints), etc...
So I've compiled a list with the help of fellow readers. Hope it helps you. I will be adding one or two comments regarding each place (Soon I hope).
I will also add book communities that are active in Pune (apart from this one obviously).
Bookstores in Pune
I have personally visited most of these places
Independent bookstores ( English )
Pagdandi, Pashan-Baner Link Road
The Word Book shop, Camp
Solanki, Camp
Rohit Enterprises, Camp
Read and Brew, Wakad
Independent bookstores ( Marathi )Â
Book Ganga, ABC Chowk (this Chowk has a lot of bookstores in the vicinity)
Pustak Peth, Vanaz
Akshardhara Book Gallery, Bajirao Road
Mehta Publishing House, Sadashiv Peth
Saket Prakashan, PapergalliÂ
Bhavartha, Karve Road
Second-Hand Bookstores
Deccan Book Stall, Deccan Chowk ( one of my favorites )
Book World, Fc road
Pratik 2nd (Second) Hand Novel Shop, Vishrantwadi
Libraries
Read and Brew, Wakad
The Book Elf, Viman Nagar
Just Books, Baner
Bhavartha, Karve Road
Vishwas Library, Anand Nagar metro station
Pune Marathi Granthalay, Kumthekar road
Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Tilak road
Book My Reads, Sahakar Nagar
New Manoranjan Vachnalay, Kothrud
Raddiwalas
Near Pashan Chowk
Book Fairs
Lock the box by BookChor
This event by BookChor happens every 2-3 months in Pune. You will find some really good books here ( you will have to spend some time finding them tho).
Tip: Go with a big group and get the 3k-priced box. Go with a person who is good at organizing, so that you'll get more books in that box. We got like 70 books in 2 boxes worth 3k.
Books by weight
Book Clubs in Pune
All book clubs that I mention here are non-commercial in nature and do not charge anything other than venue charges(if any).
I will try to mention parts of the book clubs, that I think are different and unique to them.
The Saturday Book Community
A free for all readers community, where you can join in and just geek out, at our book monthly meet-ups.
It's a place to socialize and discuss various literary topics from films to art and music.
We also organize museum visits and treks. Check out our other initiatives.
Pune Reads
A silent book community at Kamla Nehra Park from 8 - 11 am every Saturday, where readers come from all over Pune to read silently.
You can find people sitting quietly, reading in serenity under the huge trees.
East Pune Reads
A silent book community, similar to Pune reads. They meet every Saturday from 7:30 - 10:30 am at Joggers Park in Kalyani Nagar.
You can find people sitting quietly, reading in serenity under the huge trees.
Pune Connects
Join for long intimate discussions in comfortable settings.
They also host art-related workshops like origami, art journaling, etc. apart from the usual book meet-ups.
On The Same Page
Join for a traditional book club experience: a book of the month.
They also have one of the most diverse group of readers.
Reading Circle
The best part is the first 90 minutes, where you sit silently and read.
Post that, they have introductions and good discussions.
The Pune Book Readers Club
A book club that is active on Facebook and hosts numerous book-related talks and events every month.
* This list is still in progress. Do drop suggestions in the comments.