Moghul Library

The area of Himayatnagar seems to have changed in the past three decades. New restaurants have replaced the older ones. More clothing stores have opened up. And all of the cows and buffaloes seem to have taken crash-courses in toilet habits! But one of the few establishments that have remained the same for the past 30 years is the tiny little Moghul Library run by the effervescent and adorable Asif Hussain.

Hussain's library began in 1971 as a small hole-in-the-wall shop on Road No. 2, and in January 2004, he shifted the premise to another hole-in-the-wall on Road No. 1. Moghul Library is a name familiar to many students, housewives and retired folks whose house is situated at a walking distance from the Liberty Main Road. In fact, for many, this is the closest, most affordable and only library in the vicinity. For money's sake, who would ever think of starting a library now??? It's all pubs, eateries and pretentious designer-wear these days.

For a mere Rs. 200 worth membership, you could borrow hundreds of books - spread over hundreds of days, considering Uncle Hussain's one-book-per-day policy. The collection ranges from some of the recent bestsellers to old magazines. A personal favorite is the comic section, which has been nurtured for a long time. I'd bet my cell-phone that you wouldn't find MAD magazines issues dated 1982 elsewhere.

Moghul Library is a good recommendation for all who cherish the old-fashioned way of spending good money and good time.