High on Words

An online book rental library,believes Arti,is both convenient and practical. Back in the US,where Manish had worked as a software engineer for several years,it was a popular concept. “We were sure it would work here too and that it was the need of the hour. We began with about 1,500 members,and are now constantly growing and have also set up a book store in Delhi,” says Arti. “Being surrounded by books and people,there’s never a dull day in our lives,’’ she adds,as she gets to know the writers and book lovers attending the event.

An online facility,says Manish,saves people time,energy,effort and money. All you need to do is log on to FriendsOfBooks.com,browse and rent from the vast collection,and on payment of a monthly membership,the books will be delivered to your home or office. The facility is available all over India and rates vary according to the city you are in.

“We have as many as 8,000 titles and add new books every day. With many subscribers in Chandigarh,this is our effort to reach out to more people and make reading easier,enjoyable and thrilling. Most people complain how lack of time and traffic keeps them away from libraries. With this concept,there can’t be any reason for not to read,’’ says Manish. Serious effort,he adds,goes in picking the titles and keeping the collection absorbing and informative as both he and Arti interact with publishers,young writers and Friends of Books subscribers to add to the trove.