In the heart of Kallumantapa, Horamavu, lies a charming bookshop that has grown from a humble online store to a thriving physical space. Lalitha’s Book Nook, founded by Lalitha Murugesan, aims to foster a love for reading among Bengalureans. The store, which opened in 2023, also introduced innovative initiatives to inspire a reading culture in the city.
Lalitha, a former SAP consultant, was seeking a career change in 2021 when she discovered the transformative power of reading. “I was going through a midlife crisis and needed to reconnect with myself and my family,” she says. After reading The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, she was inspired to start the bookstore as a way to be more involved with her sons while doing something meaningful.
The bookstore began as an Instagram-based online store, offering books by both international and Indian authors. Despite the challenges of high stall rents, Lalitha persevered, eventually finding the perfect location for her brick-and-mortar store during an evening walk.
In just two years, Lalitha’s Book Nook has become a popular destination, attracting about 30 customers each month, ranging from young children to adults. To kick off 2025, she introduced the ‘New Year, New Book’ initiative, where participants exchanged books in a Secret Santa-style event. Another initiative, ‘Lit Leap’, offers readers a “blind date with books,” delivering curated bundles each month.
The store boasts a collection of over 2,500 books across genres and offers monthly memberships, allowing customers to read and browse in a peaceful environment. Lalitha’s Book Nook also focuses on engaging younger audiences with storytelling sessions, book exhibitions, and field trips for preschool children.
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