Meet the Minds Behind Hyderabad’s New Libraries
At a time when libraries were quietly disappearing from Hyderabad’s neighbourhoods, a few individuals chose to act. Driven by personal need, nostalgia, and a belief in focused reading, they began creating new library spaces across the city
By : Mallik Thatipalli
Update: 2025-12-28 10:20 GMT
Even till the mid-2000s most localities of Hyderabad had a quiet, unassuming library. It was where many picked up a lifelong habit of reading and these spaces were affordable and inclusive. As the digital invasion grew, most libraries have shuttered down or are battling increasing irrelevance. Soon, libraries became a thing of the past.
It is therefore heartening that this year has seen multiple libraries open across the city providing relief to those who miss the days of old when the simple pleasure of reading a book was sought after.
A public library for the City
The most recent addition to Hyderabad’s library landscape is The Coforge Public Library, inaugurated at Kothaguda Junction near Kondapur. Spread across 15,660 sq. ft., the library houses over 15,000 books across every genre imaginable. Designed as a free and inclusive space, it aims to serve readers from all walks of life.
A public library for the City
The most recent addition to Hyderabad’s library landscape is The Coforge Public Library, inaugurated at Kothaguda Junction near Kondapur. Spread across 15,660 sq. ft., the library houses over 15,000 books across every genre imaginable. Designed as a free and inclusive space, it aims to serve readers from all walks of life.
“Libraries are invaluable resources for the growth and development of communities and play a crucial role in nation-building,” said Anuradha Sehgal, Chief Brand & Sustainability Officer at Coforge. “We hope this library becomes a sanctuary of lifelong learning for generations to come.” The Hyderabad library is Coforge’s third public library in India, following similar initiatives in Noida and Gurugram. Located adjacent to a large residential catchment, the space was deliberately chosen to ensure easy accessibility: a factor that many believe is key to reviving reading habits.
Rekindling reading
Rekindling reading
While large public libraries bring scale, smaller, independent initiatives are addressing gaps at the neighbourhood level. One such effort is Pustaka Library, started by cousins Mallika Pathi (33), a Certified Public Accountant, and Divya Pathi (36), a creative designer, in Manikonda. “There is no space to rekindle a reading habit across the city,” says Mallika. “Compared to cities like Delhi or Kolkata, Hyderabad doesn’t have that visible reading culture — bookstores or curated book spaces are few and far between.”
The idea for Pustaka emerged from a personal need. “Divya couldn’t find good offline books for her son,” Mallika explains. “What started as a thought to open a bookstore evolved into a library because sustainability mattered to us. In a world full of distractions, focus is the greatest gift a library can offer.”
The sisters renovated their own independent house, about 1,000 sq. ft. to create the library. It currently holds around 3,000 titles across genres, with plans to scale up to 15,000 books and replicate the model in other cities. A cosy reading space remains its key draw.
“If a library existed within my vicinity earlier, I would have definitely taken a membership and rekindled my own reading habit,” Mallika adds. “That’s exactly what we want to offer others.”
Redefining the Library Experience
The idea for Pustaka emerged from a personal need. “Divya couldn’t find good offline books for her son,” Mallika explains. “What started as a thought to open a bookstore evolved into a library because sustainability mattered to us. In a world full of distractions, focus is the greatest gift a library can offer.”
The sisters renovated their own independent house, about 1,000 sq. ft. to create the library. It currently holds around 3,000 titles across genres, with plans to scale up to 15,000 books and replicate the model in other cities. A cosy reading space remains its key draw.
“If a library existed within my vicinity earlier, I would have definitely taken a membership and rekindled my own reading habit,” Mallika adds. “That’s exactly what we want to offer others.”
Redefining the Library Experience
Importantly, these new-age libraries are moving away from the idea of silence-only spaces. At Pustaka, weekends are reserved for book circles, mental well-being discussions, and hobby-based gatherings. “We didn’t want a typical silent library,” says Divya Pathi. “We wanted a space where people want to spend time — even non-readers. If someone walks in for a conversation and eventually picks up a book, that’s a win.”
This emphasis on experience over enforcement is becoming a common thread. Libraries are no longer just about borrowing books; they are becoming places of slow engagement, an antidote to constant digital stimulation.
Building a community through books
A similar philosophy guides WildGeese Library in Nallagandla, founded by Sankeertana Varma (36), a former freelance film writer. Started in May this year, the 1,000 sq. ft. library houses nearly 7,000 books, including a strong Telugu collection. “A room filled with books is a real comfort,” says Varma. “The possibility of escaping into another world and seeing life through someone else’s eyes is infinitely exciting. Starting a library felt like a natural next step.”
She believes the reading culture exists in Hyderabad — just beneath the surface. “There is a growing curiosity around books, even if it’s not overwhelming,” she says. “Publishers are stepping up with great variety, but books are also more expensive now. Libraries become a wonderful compromise.”
Varma has observed a particularly strong response from children and parents. “Middle graders are surprisingly eager readers,” she notes. “Parents often bring very young children —three to five-year-olds — and read aloud to them. Storytelling becomes a way to bond, without screens or lectures.”
Her choice of location was practical but strategic. “Nallagandla is an up-and-coming area,” she says. “It’s convenient for me and promising for a community library.”
Taken together, these initiatives suggest Hyderabad may be at the beginning of a reading renaissance. Whether backed by corporate vision or driven by personal passion, libraries are being reclaimed as essential civic spaces; places where focus is nurtured, communities gather, and imagination is given room to grow.
Building a community through books
A similar philosophy guides WildGeese Library in Nallagandla, founded by Sankeertana Varma (36), a former freelance film writer. Started in May this year, the 1,000 sq. ft. library houses nearly 7,000 books, including a strong Telugu collection. “A room filled with books is a real comfort,” says Varma. “The possibility of escaping into another world and seeing life through someone else’s eyes is infinitely exciting. Starting a library felt like a natural next step.”
She believes the reading culture exists in Hyderabad — just beneath the surface. “There is a growing curiosity around books, even if it’s not overwhelming,” she says. “Publishers are stepping up with great variety, but books are also more expensive now. Libraries become a wonderful compromise.”
Varma has observed a particularly strong response from children and parents. “Middle graders are surprisingly eager readers,” she notes. “Parents often bring very young children —three to five-year-olds — and read aloud to them. Storytelling becomes a way to bond, without screens or lectures.”
Her choice of location was practical but strategic. “Nallagandla is an up-and-coming area,” she says. “It’s convenient for me and promising for a community library.”
Taken together, these initiatives suggest Hyderabad may be at the beginning of a reading renaissance. Whether backed by corporate vision or driven by personal passion, libraries are being reclaimed as essential civic spaces; places where focus is nurtured, communities gather, and imagination is given room to grow.
As Mallika Pathi puts it simply, “We definitely need more readers in society.” And hopefully, Hyderabad is building the spaces to make that possible.