Kolkata, hailed as the cultural capital of India, is renowned for its rich literary history and vibrant book culture. Its profound love for literature is evident in its myriad of bookstores, each offering a distinct experience for bibliophiles. From the iconic College Street, a haven for book lovers with its endless rows of bookshops and famous coffee houses, to the hidden gem Dasgupta & Co. known for its collection of Bengali literature, every bookstore in Kolkata tells a story not just through its books but also through its ambience, history, and the literary community it attracts.
Whether you’re a voracious reader, a casual browser, or a collector, the bookstores in Kolkata are sure to enchant and inspire. While strolling through these literary havens, you’re not just exploring shelves of books; you’re immersing yourself in the intellectual legacy of the city. So, grab a book, find a cosy corner, and let the literary magic of Kolkata unfold an experience beyond the pages.
Lost in the world of words: The finest bookstores in Kolkata
Earthcare Books
Earthcare Books, located on Middleton Street, offers a unique experience for book lovers. Its inviting interior exudes a blend of rustic charm and comfort, featuring red oxide floors, arched doorways, and furniture made of bamboo and rattan. The walls adorned with striking black-and-white photographs of Kolkata by Thomas Patrick Kiernan enhance the bookstore’s appeal.
Specialising in literature about the environment and sustainable development, Earthcare Books carefully curated its shelves with books spanning history, philosophy, gender studies, spirituality, critiques of contemporary development, tribal matters, and works inspired by Gandhi’s teachings.
Opening hours: 11 am – 7 pm
Location: 10, Middleton St, near Maidan, Park Street area, Kolkata
Oxford Bookstore
Since its opening in 1919, the first Oxford Bookstore of India on Park Street has embodied a delightful fusion of old-world charm and contemporary offerings. The store boasts a comprehensive collection of books from leading global publishers, along with coffee table books, magazines, writing tools, and various lifestyle items. Additionally, it houses the ‘Cha Bar’, a cosy cafe where visitors can enjoy authentic Darjeeling tea, Mediterranean dishes, salads, and snacks – perfect companions for a leisurely read.
Being a hub for literary culture, the bookstore hosts significant events like the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsav, and the Hindi Sahitya Utsav, making it a must-visit for literature enthusiasts.
Opening hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Location: 2nd Floor, BLOCK-C, Apeejay House, 15, Mother Teresa Sarani, Taltala, Kolkata
Seagull Books
Opened in 1982, Seagull Books quickly became a favourite among lovers of world literature. Renowned for its vast range of English translations, the store covers everything from non-fiction and cultural studies to art and cinema. With an impressive collection of over 500 titles, including works from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Seagull introduces readers to both classical and contemporary authors.
Beginning with icons like Apollinaire and Borges, Seagull now features a wide array of contemporary authors such as Yves Bonnefoy and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak. Its celebrated ‘Africa List’ includes names like Ngugi wa Thiong’o, enriching its diverse selection. The store serves as a treasure trove for diverse literary tastes, offering insights into lesser-known European writers.
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Location: 36C S. P. Mukherjee Road (Rupchand Mukherjee Lane),
First left after Bijoli Cinema, Calcutta
College Street Book Market
College Street, known as ‘Boi Para’ or Book Town, transcends being merely a bookstore area; it’s a dynamic literary district in Kolkata. Celebrated as one of the world’s largest second-hand book markets, it serves as a haven for readers, offering a diverse array of books ranging from academic volumes and literary classics to rare editions and elusive out-of-print titles.
This neighbourhood is sprinkled with cultural gems, notably the historic Indian Coffee House. This legendary café has been the favoured haunt for generations of writers, thinkers, and students, contributing significantly to the allure of College Street.
Opening hours: 10 am – 11 pm
Location: Bidhan Sarani road up to Bowbazar
Das Gupta & Co
Founded in 1886 by Girish Chandra Dasgupta, this bookshop is among the most historic stores in India. A treasure trove for those interested in Bengali literature, it also houses a diverse selection of books in various regional Indian languages.
For those who prefer buying books online, the bookstore offers a convenient option. You can place orders by emailing them at boiwala.dasgupta@gmail.com, and they will deliver the books right to your doorstep.
Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm
Location: 54/3, College Street, Kolkata
The Storyteller Book Store
The StoryTeller, a women-led bookshop in Kolkata, stands out as the city’s only pet-friendly bookstore, specialising in children’s books.
This bookstore is a haven for fans of comics and graphic novels, featuring an extensive range from timeless DC and Marvel classics to the whimsical tales of Tinkle’s Suppandi. Graphic novel aficionados will discover treasures like Ari Folman’s adaptation of Anne Frank’s Diary. Additionally, those with a passion for art will find much to admire in their specially selected collection, encompassing books on calligraphy, fashion, and art, complemented by an array of art kits.
Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
Location: Vrindavan Apartments, Flat 3C, 3rd Floor, 67 A Ballygunge, Circular Road, Kolkata
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0 DEED, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related: Literature In All Its Glory: Spotlighting Asia’s Most Beautiful Libraries
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What makes College Street Boi Para special?
A hub of historic bookstores and intellectual charm, enhanced by cosy coffee houses, offering a unique cultural and literary experience.
– Do these bookstores specialise in any particular genre?
Yes, each bookstore specialises in certain genres: Earthcare Books focuses on environmental issues, Seagull publishes world literature and non-fiction, and The StoryTeller specialises in children’s books, comics, graphic novels, and art-related titles.
– Are there any independent or niche bookstores in Kolkata?
Yes, Kolkata is home to unique bookstores like Earthcare Books, Seagull, and The StoryTeller.
– Can I find books in regional languages at these bookstores?
Yes, several Kolkata bookstores, including Earthcare Books, Das Gupta & Co, and Seagull, offer a range of books in regional languages, catering to a variety of linguistic and cultural interests.
– Are there book cafes or reading spaces in these bookstores?
Yes, in Kolkata, the Oxford Bookstore houses ‘Cha Bar,’ a quaint café for reading, while Earthcare Books offers a serene reading space, enhancing the book-shopping experience with comfort.
– Do these bookstores host author events or book launches?
Yes, Kolkata’s bookstores like the Oxford Bookstore and Seagull actively host literary events. For instance, Oxford Bookstore is known for the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, while Seagull participates in events like the Apeejay Bangla Sahitya Utsav.
– Can I sell or exchange my old books at these bookstores?
Most of the bookstores in Kolkata, like Earthcare Books or Seagull, don’t typically offer book exchange or buyback services. However, College Street is renowned for its second-hand book market where selling and exchanging books is common.
– What is the best time to visit these bookstores in Kolkata?
For a comfortable book-browsing experience in Kolkata, visit these bookstores between October and March, when the weather is cooler and more conducive to leisurely exploration.
– Are there any discounts or loyalty programmes offered by these bookstores?
Some bookstores in Kolkata, like Oxford Bookstore, offer loyalty programmes and seasonal discounts. However, independent bookshops like Earthcare Books and Seagull may not have such schemes, focusing more on curated collections and unique offerings.
