Library@Koota: Books & Community Conversations
We do not just shelve books; we build conversations around them. From our monthly community-selected reading lists to intimate book launches, this is a space where stories bring the neighborhood together.
Meet Sruthi Krishnan, our curator for the month of May. In this video, she introduces her diverse selection of books, from Salman Rushdie to Japanese mystery. Our "Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Curator" series empowers our community to shape the library's collection.
The poster for the book launch of "1700 in 70" by Gita Balakrishnan. The event celebrated her incredible 1,700 km walk from Kolkata to Delhi and the stories she gathered along the way.
Poster for "Children's Books: An Indian Story," a conversation with early literacy expert Shailaja Menon and the team from Funky Rainbow. Our library is a hub for discussions on the importance of reading.
A view from the audience during the talk on Indian children's books. The conversation explored the evolving landscape of literature for young readers in India.
Meet Anjali Nair, our friendly neighborhood curator for March. An 18 year old passionate about all genres, she shared her love for everything from fantasy to poetry.
Meet Nila Benson, our 9th grade curator for January. A lover of books, baking, and football, Nila brought her diverse interests to her book selections.
Meet Priyadarshini, our curator for February. An untrained artist, she shared her love for graphic novels and non fiction, where words and pictures dance together.
Meet Anaswara Jose, our December curator. She shared treasures for toddlers and young readers, discovered over a decade of reading aloud to her children.
Meet Priya, our April curator. A social sector consultant, she shared her love for fiction, graphic novels, and audiobooks that explore alternative narratives.
Meet Aśwana Mathew-Srinivasaraghavan, our September curator. Her eclectic tastes range from Shakespearean sci-fi to banned books, reflecting a life of literary adventure.
About Library@Koota: Books & Readers
You won't find a static shelf here. Our library is shaped entirely by the community—residents take turns each month to select the books that fill our shelves. Whether it’s graphic novels, speculative fiction, or children's literature, our collection changes to reflect the real reading habits of people in the city, not just bestseller lists.
It is not a quiet, hush-hush library. It is a living room for the curious. The Library@Koota serves as an extension of our collective space in Kengeri, designed for those who want to move beyond the screen and engage with the written word in a tactile way.
The Monthly Guest Selection
Every month, a member of our community becomes the lead voice for our shelves. They bring their own tastes—from Salman Rushdie to Japanese mystery novels—to create a collection that feels personal rather than institutional. It is our way of ensuring the library stays alive and relevant to the people who actually use it. If you have a favorite genre or a book you think needs more eyes on it, come share it with us.
Beyond the Book
We host frequent book launches and author readings. These are not formal lectures; they are opportunities to sit with writers like Gita Balakrishnan or early literacy experts like Shailaja Menon to discuss how stories influence our world. We pair these discussions with tea, light snacks, and a very informal environment where questions are encouraged.
Accessibility & Participation
We believe in the joy of reading without barriers. Whether you are a dedicated bookworm, a parent looking for better stories for your kids, or just someone curious about local literature, you are welcome. We often bring in board games and social puzzles to keep the energy light. If you want to know what is on the shelf right now or join our next conversation, just reach out.
Courtyard Koota
We are a collective—Natasha, Nanu, Sridevi, Khushi, and a crew of artists—who built this space because we needed a place to talk about more than just the weather. We wanted a home for stories, art, and the people who make them, and Koota is where we host that. Pull up a chair, there is always room.
Looking for a different kind of event?
Explore other ways we connect through art, performance, and community.
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