This new bookstore in Bengaluru wants to foster community

Vineetha Vijayakumar, the founder of Turning Page on her dreams for this new bookstore and cafe in Jakkur

It was all about community for Vineetha Vijayakumar, the founder (and reader-in-chief) of Turning Pages, a new bookstore, cafe, reading lounge and co-working space in Bengaluru. “My vision for Turning Pages was always that it would become a third space. Through literature, I wanted to build social connections, ” says Vineetha, who believes that the highly mediated world we now live in often erodes our ability to make these connections. “The community aspect of this is close to my heart.”

She hopes that Turning Pages can play a role in fostering this: “It is one thing to sit with a book, but it is another thing to discuss a book, to learn about literature, art or any new skill,” says Vineetha, a former IT professional and self-confessed bibliophile.

Vineetha Vijayakumar | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The space, which, besides the bookstore, comprises a cafe, a reading space, a children’s corner and a few work pods, could certainly lend itself to her vision. Bright and welcoming, with plenty of natural light, a well-curated selection of books, rows of potted plants, interesting artwork, the space, which officially opened last week, is a delight for any bibliophile.

“We wanted to centralise books,” says Vineetha, whose curation process involved choosing books she loved as well as those recommended by friends and family. She also turned to the internet to understand current trends, especially in children’s books, reached out to publishers and distributors and worked with recommended experts to create the cafe and larger space. “I think it is fair to say that it took a village to bring this up,” she says, with a laugh.

A good beverage can elevate the reading experience | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement