A haven for booklover
A bibliophile is someone who loves books and this warm-cosy café serves as a haven from hustle and bustle of the city.
It is said that there’s a place for every Guwahatians and the bookworms of the city have not left-out either. The city is emerging cafes with not just food but also have been serving a purpose to their customers, satiating not just their appetite but sharing their vibes as well. Even if one’s not a book-reader, the warm welcoming ambience of this café draws one.
My meeting with the owner of ‘The Bibliophilia Café,’ Mr Imran Hussain, leaves me with a story and a café worth sharing. His journey from a book-reader himself to opening up book-café is what you’ll take from this read. Let’s delve onto his entrepreneurial journey!
The pioneer of this concept in the city, Mr Hussain, first had a library in that space. He is a reader first and an entrepreneur later. He keeps his interest both in fiction and non-fiction books, although ‘poetry books’ tops his list, he says. After having his own library and inhaling its aroma while turning the pages of his collection for years, he finally welcomed the thought of people invading his most precious space; his library. To his advantage, he comes from a book-business background, but he wanted to make the most of it. To do something unique and exciting. And that’s where he planted the seed for ‘The Bibliophilia Café’.
Initially, he had started with a few seating arrangements, a small kitchen, one or two staff and a few eatery items in 2019. He didn’t get the bank’s help nor did he expect any profit in the first years. He says he wanted to take it slow and relish his entrepreneurial journey rather than running hide-and-seek in profit and loss.
My excitement grew to watch a plethora of books, almost a hall filled with them. From tiny to heavy, from up to down, from self-help books to poetry and romance, autobiography to memoir and books of all kinds. With that I went on to ask how many books this library-turned-café holds, and where these books travel to here.
Over a cup of masala chai, he went on to answer that general books or say common books can easily be found in the city so it is of no help to keep them here. Instead if he could bring the least-found books available, would that be of some value, he thinks. He brings his book all the way from European and other countries. Interestingly, he has bought all these books with his own money. Very few books are from donations. I cannot keep all the books in here due to limited space, many are lying there in the storeroom, adds he.
What are your future plans? Will we see TBCs in other cities and places too?
When I started, gradually, I learned that food-business is totally different from book-business. I learned that a good food-business runs with a good chef. Everything has to be balanced-the food, the service, the ambience. Only then it holds the capability to retain its customers. I added dishes that are familiar and similar to Indian-palate or taste-buds.
I’m happy to share that I got opportunities to establish two other junior TBCs in Assam. Hopefully, by this year, we’ll start the work.
The best part about this café is anyone can come and indulge in reading books or work here in silence. There will be no disturbance to take food orders or to leave once you’re done eating. TBC also welcomes programs like author’s talks, open-mic poetry, music jams, and events related to the café’s theme. The walls are adorned with photographs of the world-famous and noted personalities with lights above to compliment the look. It is no less in taste when it comes to their food, starting from different kinds of coffees to chais, light-snack food like varieties of French fries to Italian cuisines like lasagna and pizzas.
With its gastronomic delights, warm-setting with soothing country songs at the backdrop and cluttered way of book-keeping, this café is worth a visit.
Rekha Khanal
