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Bringing Bengaluru’s stories to life
through books, maps, photos & more.
For anyone curious about the city!
Timings, Monday to Friday | 10:00 a.m 6:00 p.m 

About the Library

A public library and archive at the BLR Design Centre, BLR Reads is a curated collection of books, magazines, maps, photographs, and journals on Bengaluru and beyond—covering architecture, urbanism, culture, and history. Open to all, it’s a space to read, reflect, and reimagine the city through public programs like reading groups, workshops, and data jams. Designed for students, professionals, researchers, and curious citizens alike, the library makes urban knowledge accessible, engaging, and participatory.

A Multiformat, Multimedia Collection

Browse the Collection

BLR Reads is a reference-only, publicly accessible library. It’s designed for quiet reading, slow thinking, and shared civic curiosity.

Here’s what you need to know before your visit:

Weekday Access

Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(Please schedule your visit in advance)
Schedule your appointment Book a Slot

Holidays

The library remains closed on weekends, public holidays, and on select BLR Design Centre event days. Please check ahead for specific closures.

Please schedule your visit in advance to ensure seating and staff availability. Walk-ins may be accommodated dependent on availability.

Student

₹2000/ year
₹1,000 for 6 months  ₹500 for 3 months
  • Access to BLR READS reading rooms & reference materials
  • Invitations to student-focused events and workshops
  • Research guidance on request
  • Priority access to book discussions and city walks
  • Free or discounted entry to select BDC programs
Get Membership

Personal

₹5000/ year
₹2500 for 6 months  ₹1200 for 3 months
  • Access to BLR READS reading rooms & reference materials
  • Invitations to student-focused events and workshops
  • Research guidance on request
  • Priority access to book discussions and city walks
  • Free or discounted entry to select BDC programs
  • Access to archival resources (by appointment)
Get Membership

Group

₹15,000/ year
₹10,000 for 6 months  ₹7500 for 3 months
  • For up to 5 members
  • Access to BLR READS reading rooms & reference materials
  • Invitations to student-focused events and workshops
  • Research guidance on request
  • Priority access to book discussions and city walks
  • Free or discounted entry to select BDC programs
  • Access to archival resources (by appointment)
  • Monthly institutional newsletter and research roundups
  • Group access to city walks, workshops, and exhibition previews
Get Membership

After we receive your form, we’ll get in touch with the next steps for payment and library access. Please allow us 5 working days to get back to you.
We look forward to welcoming you to the BLR Reads community!

Frequently asked questions

Who can become a member?

Everyone is welcome — students, researchers, designers, urbanists, educators, or just anyone curious about Bengaluru’s past, present, and future.

Can I visit without a membership?

Yes! Visitors are welcome to explore the space during open hours. However, full access to resources, research tools, and events is reserved for members.

Where is the library located?

Inside the Bangalore Design Centre campus. You can find our location and hours here.

What types of memberships do you offer?

We have three tiers of membership: student, personal and group. Institutional membership is available for educational institutions. Please write to reads@blrdesigncentre.com to know more.

What does membership include?

Depending on the category, members receive:

  • Full access to our curated collection
  • Access to archives, maps, and rare materials
  • Invitations to member-only events, launches, and walks
  • Opportunities for guided research support

How long is a membership valid?

Memberships are available for 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.

Is my membership refundable or transferable?

No. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

BLR Reads Library — Terms & Conditions

Access & Use

  • Books may not be borrowed and must be read within the library premises.
  • You may request to hold books and block access to them for specific dates. Please contact library staff in advance.
  • Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Benefits are for personal, non-commercial use only.
  • Membership categories, benefits, and pricing are subject to periodic review and change.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Handling & Conduct

  • Bags must be deposited at the library entrance.
  • Eating, drinking, and smoking are strictly prohibited inside the library.
  • Please handle all books and materials with care.
  • If you notice a damaged book, report it immediately to library staff.
  • Members are requested to re-shelve books after browsing—do not leave them on the tables.
  • Please be quiet and respectful in the library. Disruptive behaviour may lead to suspension of access.
  • We reserve the right to inspect bags upon exit if required.

Use of Materials

  • Photography for personal note-taking is allowed.
  • No scanning or bulk reproduction of library materials is permitted.
  • Some materials—such as archives, toolkits, rare or limited-edition publications—require advance notice to access. Email reads@blrdesigncentre.com to make arrangements.
  • Access to delicate or rare materials may be restricted to protect and conserve them.

Wi-Fi & Digital Access

  • Paid library members are provided Wi-Fi access for the duration of their membership.

Reprography & Reference Services

  • Library staff offers ready reference support. Members may email requests to [reads@blrdesigncentre.com], which will be addressed within 2 working days.
  • All reproduction must comply with Section 52 of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957.

General Conditions

  • External members must carry their Library ID card to enter BLR Design Centre.
  • A visitor ID card will be issued and must be returned on exit.
  • Access to other areas of the Design Centre is restricted unless otherwise permitted.
  • Any change in contact information must be reported to keep our records updated.
  • Violation of these terms may result in revocation of membership or access privileges.

Library as Interactive Public Platform

Want to curate a shelf, run a reading group, or host a zine workshop? Let’s talk. We encourage community-led programming

Collaborate With Us