'Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are' - Mason Cooley.
This Mason Cooley quote hasn't been more true than during this COVID-19 lockdown. We have been devouring books left, right, and centre, and the end of our to-read pile is almost here. But we have some good news in (book)store - these five bookstores in Delhi-NCR are now operational for pick-up and home delivery. A new to-read pile? It's on.
Delhi's iconic bookstore, The Bookshop in Jor Bagh market, will be open on Monday to Saturday from 11 AM - 7 PM every week. You can head to the store to browse and buy books or place your orders online beforehand by DM'ing them on IG (@_thebookshopjb) or calling them up at 011-24697102/41851113. They'll only be allowing two customers at a time inside the store and face masks are mandatory.
Alternatively, you can also get your books home delivered as they're shipping everywhere in the city. Peeps living in and around Delhi can also benefit from their delivery service for a small delivery charge. Reach out to them over call or DMs to know more.
While Om Book Shop's outlets aren't open for in-store pick-up yet, they have started delivering books and stationery across Delhi. You can browse through Om Book Shop's catalogue on their website and order books through Whatsapp/SMS (+91 8851670120) or Instagram DM's (@ombookshop). They aren't offering home delivery in the NCR region, though.
One of our favourite bookstores in the city, Bahrisons Booksellers is offering delivery of books in Delhi and Gurgaon through their Saket (011-46152700), Khan Market (011-24694610, and Galleri Market (+91 7678609336) stores. In-store browsing and pick-up isn't allowed yet, and delivery is subject to availability. You can call the above numbers to order your books and transfer money when the orders are confirmed.
They'll be delivering in all non-containment zones in Delhi and in Gurgaon, delivery is limited to Sushant Lok, Sectors 29, 23-39, 45, 49-66, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 1 &2 and Baani Square. However, we do recommend calling them up and asking them if delivery to areas other than these is possible. It just might be your lucky day!
Midland Book Shop's stores in Delhi and Gurgaon are also open for delivery and in-store pick-up. You can call them up at +91 9999942216 or DM them on Instagram (@midlandbooksofficial) to place your orders. If you live close to any of their stores, you can even head down there and get your books.
This independent children's bookstore in Gurgaon has also opened its doors for in-store pick-up and home delivery. Kool Skool Bookstore will be open from 10:30 AM - 6 PM every day. You can call them up at +91 9810383696 or +91 9899710452 for book inquiries and placing your orders.
Full Circle Bookstore has opened its GK-1 outlet for in-store browsing and delivery. The store will be open from 11 AM - 6 PM every day. If you don't want to head out to the store just yet, you can call them up at 011-29245642 or Whatsapp them at +91 9711963411 to place your orders.
May Day Bookstore has also opened its doors for in-store browsing and home delivery. You can order books through their website or call them up at 011-25709456 to place your orders. The bookstore will be open from 11 AM - 5 PM from Monday to Friday if you wish to go down there and make your purchase.
Faqir Chand Bookstore, a Khan Market institution, is also open for book lovers to browse and pick up their favourite books. They're, however, not delivering books at the moment. We'll update this section, as soon as they do.
Disclaimer: Please note that while we've listed some businesses that are open for you to actually visit and pick up, we recommend that you do it at your own risk. Stay home and stay safe.
