Some days ago, I visited the Phoenix Library, in connection
with the promotion of my Creative writing Workshop. I was slightly taken aback
by the sight of an apartment rented out to the library, choc-a-bloc with books
of all kinds. I felt just like Alibaba, when he chanced upon the treasure-trove
in a cave. After my eyes got accustomed to the sight, out came a diminutive,
sprightly, elderly gentleman named Mr. J.N.Ponda; the founder and owner of the
library. He warmly greeted me and my husband and asked us to be seated.
I gave him the material related to my workshop and requested
him to display the poster on the entrance door to the library and even in his
Housing Society, and he graciously agreed. Then he took us on a conducted tour
of his library. Pride was evident on his face as he patiently showed us around,
pointing out the authors’ collections, genres and bound books of reputed
publications; which were stacked from floor to ceiling, on shelves, packed in
plastic, see-through boxes, suitcases, tins and trays. Everywhere, in all the three
rooms, we could see books of all kinds. The terrace also holds these treasures;
protected by tarpaulin. The books have to be guarded against termites and
rodents hence pest-control is a must. Due to severe space crunch, many old
books are sold as scrap. A heart-wrenching decision, but unavoidable, in the
given circumstances! (The new ownership premises of the library will soon be ready.)
When the owner nostalgically spoke about various authors and
their works, we could sense how attached he was, to his collection. He has
painstakingly preserved all the books in immaculate condition, over nearly 5
decades, by binding them with polythene covers. While binding, additional plain
papers are inserted in the front and rear portions of the books. These are
later used to paste clippings related to the topics of the concerned book. A
rubber-stamp affixed on the front page carries a disclaimer stating that these
clippings in no way, belittle the book’s contents or its author. Another
rubber-stamp states that if that particular book is sold to a scrap-vendor, it
should be considered as stolen from the library, as it has not been returned to
it.
When I asked him about why the library only stocks English
and Marathi titles and not Hindi ones, he said that the library being located
in a pre-dominantly Maharashtrian locality, there were no takers for Hindi
books. I told him that it was unfortunate as literary gems of great authors
like Premchand, Rabindranath Tagore, etc. would not be available to the members.
Besides, as Hindi is our National language, it would have been nice if Hindi
books could also find pride of place there. But then, lack of readers,
commercial concerns and space crunch make stocking them unviable for the
library.
As he is ageing and not keeping good health, he wants to
sell the library to someone, to preserve his legacy. He is even offering books
as singles or a group, for sale. Since he isn’t techno-savvy, the catalogue is
not computerized and the library has not been widely publicized. The members
are old-time loyalists and others who are enrolling through word-of-mouth
publicity, which itself must be impressive, as the library has 600 members. No
wonder, we were pleasantly surprised when he modestly proclaimed that the
library has been featured in the Limca Book of Records, 2014. We took some
photo-copies of the relevant page, to distribute among our contacts.
I requested him to allow me to take a book back home, for
reading and he readily agreed. The staff-member there, made an entry in the
register. Then Sir started wrapping it carefully in a huge, thick polythene bag
and secured it with a rubber-band. When I told him that I had my carry-bag, he
insisted that I should carry the book as packed by him. This was the norm
there. No wonder, with such meticulous care and strict instructions regarding
handling of the books, all the books are pristine.
I was almost scared
to take that book in my hands. What if the book somehow got damaged, in the
downpour while going home? was the thought that niggled at the back of my head
while returning home. I decided to reimburse the library for the same, if that
was unfortunately the case. Fortunately, the book has been read by me and is cozily
ensconced in its wrapping, ready to be returned to the library.
He has another ten thousand books in his residence. I know
how it would feel to even think about parting with such invaluable possessions
which have been lovingly nurtured through most of one’s lifetime. It’s akin to
giving away one’s baby! But I know that this decision of his has been a very
well-considered decision and in the best interests of his beloved library and
its dedicated staff and loyal members. He wishes that some Corporate House
could take over the library and give it a new lease of life.
I wish that this legacy will be always available for
book-lovers.
Currently, the membership fees
are Rs. 700/- per month.
The copyright of this
article is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
*************************************************************************************
On his request, I
created and posted an ad on Olx.in, the text of which is given below.
Olx.in ad dt.
18072014
Renowned Phoenix
Library offers priceless books for sale.
Category: Indian
books/Famous
Phoenix Library is
featured in the Limca Book of Records, 2014. It has a vast treasure-trove
of books in all genres, approx. 37,750 in number. Both English and Marathi
books are available, in very good condition, along with pasted clippings
related to the topics of the books.
Due to space crunch, we have decided to part with some of
our treasures to book-lovers who will value them forever.
So if you want to own this legacy, you may contact the
owner, Mr.J.N. Ponda and negotiate
on the price of the books that you would like to purchase.
Please call on number 9604129228
and visit the Library at the following address.
Phoenix Library
893, Sadashiv Peth,
Gadgil Street, Laxmi
Niwas, Flat no.104,
Opp. Roma ladies'
hostel, Pune
Timings: Sunday and
Thursday: 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
On odd dates (except Sundays and Thursdays): 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The following write-up (extract) is courtesy,
the Limca Book of Records, 2014:
Unique library
The Phoenix Library at Pune,
established by J.N.Ponda on Oct.25, 1959 is one of those rare establishments
where the knowledgeable owner takes personal interest in the books and the
loyal customers, numbering about 600. The pages of books have clippings about
the book and the author such as reviews pasted on them. The library has about
37,750 books in English and Marathi containing 3,07,150 pasted and 7,00,100
un-pasted clippings. There are 710 notebooks with related clippings as on June
30, 2013. It has 490 back issues of National Geographic Magazine and 155 issues
of the now defunct Life magazine. Moreover, 24,400 advertisements are pasted in
books. So whether it is for Catcher in the Rye or a Raymond Chandler classic, a
Perry Mason or a book on tarot reading, Phoenix Library is the place to visit.
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List of recent
additions to the Phoenix Library
1. The Target-
David Baldacci
2. The
Maharashtra Housing (Regulation and Development) Act – 2012
3. The
Bootlegger – Clive Cussler & Justin Scott.
4. Corruption
in India (The DNA & The RNA) – Bibek Debroy & Bhandari Laveesh
5. Boomerang –
Michael Lewis
6. Flash Boys
– Michael Lewis
7. The Past at
Present – Romila Thapar
8. The Firm –
Duff McDonald
9. The Inside
Story of McKinsey
1. Narendra
Modi – Andy Marino
1. Centre
stage - Uday Mahurkar
. Trouble in
Mind – Jeffrey Deaver
. Redesigning
The Aeroplane While Flying – Arun Maira
. Second
Honeymoon – James Patterson & Howard Roughan.
. Sahara (The
Untold Story) – Tamal Bandopadhyay
1. Think Like
a Freak – Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner
1. Field of
Prey – John Sandford
. The Son –
Limca Book
of Record (2014)
. Annihilation
of Caste – B.R. Ambedkar
. The
Silkworm – Robert Galbraith
. Face Off –
David Baklacci
. The
Substance And The Shadow – Dilip Kumar
2. Fault In
Our Stars – John Green
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