In a monumental act of selflessness, a 75-year-old bibliophile from Karnataka, Anke Gowda, has sold his ancestral home and dedicated his life savings to create a public library housing over 20 lakh (2 million) books. The library, which he has declared “free for all,” is now being hailed as potentially the largest private book collection in India.
For more than 50 years, Gowda, a retired bus conductor and a Master of Arts in Kannada literature, has poured his income and passion into building his collection. His lifelong dream culminated in the construction of the “Pustaka Mane” (Book House) in Haralahalli village, near Mysuru.
The library’s collection is a treasure trove of knowledge, with books in over 20 languages, including rare foreign titles and more than 5,000 multilingual dictionaries. It features works on diverse subjects, from literature and science to philosophy and ancient manuscripts.
The library’s mission is rooted in the belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status. There are no membership fees, no borrowing charges, and no barriers to entry. This open-door policy has attracted a wide range of visitors, including students, researchers, civil service aspirants, and even Supreme Court judges.
Gowda, who now lives modestly with his wife within the library building, is dedicated to its upkeep. Despite facing challenges like a lack of staff and resources, he meticulously cleans and organizes the vast collection daily. His son, Sagar, helps him with the growing collection.
Gowda’s inspiring story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of knowledge and the incredible lengths one man will go to for the good of his community. As the world becomes increasingly digital, his unwavering commitment to the physical book is a reminder of the enduring value of a well-stocked library and the simple joy of reading.
