Pavements are virtual treasure troves here

Second hand book trade thrives in cyber age

Vijayawada: It is a unique `book exhibition-cum-sale' which is held on Sundays every week. The venue of the weekly book expo is pavements at Hotel Ilapuram in Gandhinagar. And the turnout at the place every week reveals the fact that there are many book lovers even in this cyber era.

The place also withstood the onslaught of educational CDs. For old book lovers, it is a virtual treasure trove. A variety of books on different subjects, guides, study material for competitive examinations, manuals, old novels and magazines of various languages are available here.

One can also find books from KG to PG at the weekly fair. Sometimes, the vendors display their rich collection of old books on public holidays when shops and business establishments are closed in the area. On week days, the vendors get themselves engaged in procurement of old books.

Magazines and old books are bought from households as waste and are also displayed at the fair. The vendors, who procure the old books from different sources, can also get the book wanted by the customer if they are informed well in advance. Prospective buyers also bargain with the vendors, which is an additional advantage at the fair.

Anantha Rambabu, a vendor, said, “We have been in the trade for ages. The weekly fair is held at the place even in rainy season. Despite several odds, we ensure the conduct of the Sunday fair without fail. We have regular customers here as well. In a way we are promoting the value of the books which are disposed of as a waste in the new era, where people are into audio and eBooks.’’

Sk Basha, another vendor, said, “We sell second hand books at reasonable prices. The peak season for the second hand book trade is between May and July. Students visit the weekly fair during their summer vacations. We do an average business of Rs 3000 a day during the peak season. In normal times, it never crosses Rs 1,500.”