In the bustling courtyard of one of India's largest technology incubators, where innovators dream of the next big disruption, a unique public library is quietly powering the minds behind science-based startups. This is the Venture Centre Library in Pune, a treasure trove of specialized knowledge accessible for an annual membership of just Rs 1,000.
A Clock That Tells More Than Time
Visitors are first greeted by a remarkable clock that occupies an entire wall. Instead of numbers, its face displays models of famous books. The Power of 2 marks 2 o'clock, The Five Biggest Ideas in Science sits at 5, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People represents 7. This creative timepiece is a fitting symbol for a space dedicated to readers seeking a competitive edge through knowledge on science, entrepreneurship, financial economics, and product design.
The library is housed within the Venture Centre, a premier technology incubator established by the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in 2006. Now operating as a separate non-profit, the centre has a formidable track record, having supported more than 750 science-based startups since its inception.
Curated Knowledge for the Innovator's Journey
The library's collection of 3,500 books, along with key magazines and journals, is meticulously curated across 21 sections. These range from Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Startups to Motivation, Personality Development, Marketing, Management, Biographies, and Popular Science. One of its unique offerings is a rack stocked with hard-to-find market research reports and studies.
For regulars like Kishor Harale, a scientist transitioning to entrepreneurship, the library's value is undeniable. "We get the latest magazines and a very good collection of books here," he says. The shelves feature titles that business leaders swear by, including the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, alongside other international and Indian publications.
Despite its affordability and public access, the library remains a hidden gem for many in Pune. Dr. V Premnath, an advisor at Venture Centre, is eager to change that. "We are eager for more people, including children, to use the library. We do a lot of gaming-based learning for children and have a collection of games, such as Battleship and Othello," he explains. He adds that a Marathi collection and a selection of books are also available online.
Beyond Books: Building a Community of Learners
The library's role extends far beyond being a quiet reading room. It actively fosters a community through a dynamic calendar of events. These include sessions on Artificial Intelligence, Intellectual Property, and a Toastmaster series for honing communication skills.
"We organise a lot of knowledge transfer events, where people from different startups come together and discuss issues, from research papers to idea formations. There are book clubs, author talks and technical and non-technical events. Recently, we started a journal club," says Manisha Kharat, the librarian.
Yogesh Shelke, a med-tech entrepreneur who visits every fortnight, highlights the library's contextual relevance. "Mainstream libraries or online resources are not curated for entrepreneurship in the Indian context. If you look for books on 'technology and Indian market', you find very limited literature. This is where the Venture Centre Library becomes an important resource," he states.
The events attract all age groups. Rohit Joshi, Head of People and Community Development at Venture Centre, notes the interest from younger minds: "A lot of children want to know a little more than what they are taught in school. We did STEM workshops, where they learnt to use a 3D printer to build small models."
From author sessions, like one with botanist S Natesh on his book Iconic Trees of India, to practical guides like the sought-after Angel Financing for Entrepreneurs, the library provides a holistic ecosystem. As the unique book-clock on the wall silently reminds every visitor, in this space dedicated to science and enterprise, there is always new knowledge to gain, every hour.
