A co-working space inside a library

Housed within the premises of The ilovereadin’ Library at Adyar, the Book Office is a dream-cometrue for its founders — Naresh, Karthika G and Amrutash Misra. “We always wanted a space where parents and children can come together and spend some time in the company of books. We were lucky to get a bigger space in the library building and we decided to utilise the space for promoting theatre and performing arts. That’s when the idea of introducing a co-working space popped up,” says Naresh Ramamurthy, one of the founders. 

The space will be open on March 17 to working parents, freelancers, entrepreneurs, creatives, or generally anyone who likes to work in a room full of books. “We are looking to host creative people, who like to work in a library environment. Also, the children’s library (that offers a wide selection of books), situated next to The Book Office, has a dedicated 400 sqft space for children. And that’s one of the major attractions for parents and caretakers,” he explains.

Amrutash Misra, another co-founder of The Book Office, explains the concept further. “We aren’t looking only at start-ups, or commercial firms. Everyone is our client. But, if you ask me the USP, it would be the children’s library next to the co-working space. It is an alternative environment for kids. Also, what more better way than introducing your children to the world of books. The space would be functional from next week onwards,” he says.

The Book Office is operated by The Kahanipuram Trust, a non-profit venture that seeks to promote initiatives revolving around children, books, and stories. 

Explaining the launch event, Amrutash says, “With a focus on children and families, the event on March 17 will include a Library Treasure Hunt and an interactive improvised play based on the book, A Silly Story of Bondapalli.”