Eloor Lending Library

Any people coming from previous generations will find themselves smiling upon remembering the glorious days of the Eloor Lending Library. During the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, this library resided in much smaller cities than Bangalore, such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. It was frequented by public workers, physicians, police inspectors, film stars, scriptwriters, and college students.

Back then, the books were and (still are) meticulously wrapped in plastic sheets for protection. Members may rent them for 10% of the book's price, with a refundable deposit. Gradually, the Eloor’s branches were established across India, including Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi, in 2006. It is not an exaggeration to claim that Eloor used to be one of the top-notch private loan libraries in India.

Its slight dip in popularity started around the 2000s - corresponded with the advent of e-readers, online databases and online booksellers. Not to mention, children nowadays tend to prefer cell devices over books. Nevertheless, Eloor Lending Library, with superb services and book collections, still deserves an honorable place on this list.

Ratings: 3.9 stars (from 200 reviews)

Address: Shivaji Nagar, Infantry Road

Timing: 10 a.m - 7 p.m