Brews & books
Strap: From novels to networking, the city’s café libraries are redefining how Bengaluru relaxes and connects
Blurb:
From exploring new worlds in novels to connecting with like-minded neighbours over snacks and coffee, these spaces are fast becoming hubs of community and creativity
Byline: Bhuvana Shridhar
City dwellers are swapping the rush-hour grind for cosy corners, steaming cups, and shelves stacked with stories, embracing a slice of calm in the city’s chaos. Yes, we are talking about the bludgeoning cafe libraries that are making a splash among Bangaloreans.
From exploring new worlds in novels to connecting with like-minded neighbours over snacks and coffee, these spaces are fast becoming hubs of community and creativity. Café founders say the surge is real, with visitors not just dropping in, but staying, chatting, and bonding—proof that Bengaluru isn’t just about work, it’s about living, one cup and chapter at a time.
‘Deeper discussions’
Sahil Deshmukh, Founder, Human Library
OB: What exactly is the Human Library?
Sahil: Our meetups, held at cafés across the city, are all about meaningful, non-judgmental conversations guided by thoughtful prompts. It’s an engaging process where attendees share diverse perspectives, heartful stories, and cherished memories. Everyone gets a chance to voice their thoughts, experiences, and opinions, creating a rich exchange of ideas and genuine connections. Each one is a book here.
OB: How do participants benefit from attending these sessions?
Sahil: The Human Library exposes people to diverse perspectives, helping them gain insights into the lives, stories, and experiences of others. Empathetic listening fosters deeper understanding and appreciation for individual journeys, while encouraging attendees to reflect on their own lives with clarity and compassion.
OB: How is the environment structured to ensure a positive experience?
Sahil: We make it clear from the start that this is a safe, inclusive space for meaningful conversations—not a social or dating event. By setting this tone, everyone feels comfortable to engage, share, and listen, making each session a valuable opportunity for learning, reflection, and genuine human connection.
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‘More than a space’
Pabitra Kumar Dhal, Manager, Story Coffee Café
OB: What kind of books & crowd does the café attract?
Pabitra: Our shelves have something for everyone—comics and thrillers, detective stories, and management reads for those who enjoy learning with coffee. Weekends bring the liveliest crowds with community gatherings, laughter, and energy, while weekdays see students, professionals, and travellers discovering our café’s charm. Guests often immerse themselves in classics like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and E.T., sketch, play board games, or simply click photos—a revival of almost-lost habits in this digital age.
OB: How do you create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors?
Pabitra: Story Café pulses with classic rock and ’80s–’90s hits, bringing back the golden era of music and movies. Our staff ensure every guest feels valued. Homemade breads, freshly roasted coffee, free Wi-Fi, hearty meals, and board or card games make the space warm, lively, and perfect for conversation, bonding, and meaningful moments.
Q3: How does the café enrich the visitor experience beyond food & drinks?
Pabitra: Story Coffee is more than a café—it’s an experience. From Biscoff pancakes to open mics, coffee brewing events, and rock shows, it’s a hub for fun, creativity, and community. Regulars like Maria call it a “second home” for herself and her pet, praising the warm ambiance and opportunities to connect and truly unwind.
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‘Encouraging book reading’
Nathan Lynn Harris, Co-Owner, The Hole in the Wall Café
OB: What inspired you to open a book café in Bangalore?
Nathan: We wanted to create an old-school space that brought back habits like book reading, conversation, and art—without all the screens and tech that dominate modern cafés. Book reading isn’t as common as it was in the ’80s and ’90s, so we aimed to revive that charm while staying open to today’s trends. We even support a “free-library” concept—customers can put a book in and take one out. The idea is to offer a cozy corner where people can truly get lost in the magic of books.
OB: How do you make the café welcoming for visitors?
Nathan: The ambiance is retro and cozy, so guests feel like they’re eating and reading in someone’s home. We’ve curated an eclectic mix of books across genres, allowing free access anytime, which makes people comfortable and encourages long, leisurely stays.
OB: What keeps visitors engaged and coming back?
Nathan: It’s the combination of food, books, and atmosphere. Guests can read, sketch, or simply relax while enjoying a meal. By blending nostalgia with community, we create a space that lifts spirits, sparks conversation, and keeps book lovers returning for more.
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‘Feel creatively recharged’
Uday Kiran, Founder, Dialogues Cafés
OB: What is the café all about?
Uday: Our book club isn’t about critiques or academics—it’s about connecting over stories. Each month, strangers become familiar faces, sharing what moved them in a book or simply listening. We welcome young professionals, students, retirees, and first-time readers, all bringing their own worlds into the conversation. Though meetups are scheduled for two hours, they often stretch beyond four. Every session uncovers another story, perspective, or creative spark, leaving people inspired, renewed, and creatively recharged.
OB: What’s the vibe like at here?
Uday: It is warm, homely, and light-filled, instantly putting visitors at ease. Guests can read by a window, meet deadlines, work on projects, play board games, or share stories. Our community-driven library is filled with books donated by readers, creating a trove of shared stories and recommendations. The café adapts to your pace—lively or quiet, solo or in a group, it always makes room for you.
OB: Why do city folks seek out spaces like this?
Uday: In a city that never slows down, people crave cozy escapes to read, play, or connect. Dialogues Café offers that pause—a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and community warmth that keeps visitors coming back.