The reading room smells musty with old hardbound books piling on tables at various corners. However, Ajgaonkar assures that things will be in order within a week. Conservation architect

Sheetal Gandhi, who is involved in the renovation, reveals, “Since this is the time to prepare for exams and entrances, the members have been demanding to reopen the library, at least the reading room. So we complied.”

After this phase of the restoration is over, the attention will shift to the garden. “Lots of people love to relax there. We plan to set up a small cafeteria there. Provision for a light and sound show is also on the anvil. Digitalisation of the book lending system too needs to be done,” says Gandhi.

The library is looking for donations to execute these plans. It will take steps to increase the number of members to generate more revenue. The ongoing project was carried out with Rs 34 lakh released from Pritish Nandy’s MPLAD fund, Rs 20 lakh from MMR-Heritage Conservation Society and corporate donations. The library has always depended on donations to sustain itself. David Sassoon, a Jewish philanthropist from Baghdad, and the British government contributed Rs 60,000 each to construct this Grade I heritage building in 1870.

Located close to the city’s business district, this library attracts a lot of office-goers. A large number of college students and professionals preparing for their examinations can be spotted here between 8 am to 9 pm all 365 days a year. A case in point is Jayawant Yadav, a student of Institute of Charted Accountants. With his study material spread before him, this Worli resident says, “It’s so peaceful here. I study here for nearly eight hours.” For life member Kirti M Ojha, sifting through the newspapers during the lunch break is a routine, which he missed when the library was shut. “This is a 20-year old habit. I don’t want to give it up.”