Bengaluru Bookshop Owner Loses 5,000 Volumes to Flood, Receives Widespread Offers of Assistance

Bengaluru's Iconic Bookstore The Bookworm Suffers Heavy Losses After Flood

Bengaluru's beloved independent bookstore, The Bookworm, has suffered an estimated loss of 4,000 to 5,000 books after torrential rain flooded its Church Street premises. The store, founded over two decades ago, is known for its vast collection of new and pre-loved titles across genres and has built a loyal following among readers in the city and beyond.

The Bookworm, owned and run by Krishna Gowda, affectionately known as "Bookworm Krishna" or the "Bookman of Bengaluru," has long been credited with keeping independent bookselling alive in the city, despite surging rents on Church Street. The store's vast collection of books, piled floor to ceiling, was severely affected by the floodwaters that knee-deep water filled the narrow aisles.

The damage caused by the intense spells of rain that lashed Bengaluru over the past few days has been widespread, with authorities issuing an orange alert for the city earlier this week. Multiple incidents linked to the rain, including a wall collapse at Bowring Hospital, were reported.

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The Bookworm took to Instagram to share the news, posting photographs of the flooded premises and expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from customers and fellow readers. The post triggered an immediate response, with several users offering to help the bookstore recover through direct purchases and community-driven support.

The store's financial impact from the loss has not yet been detailed, but readers online have continued to urge Gowda to share ways to help. In the meantime, the community has rallied around The Bookworm, offering support and urging others to do the same.