Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: December 09, 2019 | 
| 中文
A Stall at the Sunday Book Bazaar (credits to Moiz Abdul Majid)
There are always unique and exciting treasures to be found in the Old City of Lahore for those who like to explore it. But perhaps, one of Lahore’s more underrated places is its Sunday Book Bazaar right off Anarkali Bazaar. Vendors gather every Sunday morning to sell wonderfully surprising and diverse collections of books. One can spend hours scouring through the stalls, and never get tired of looking through all the books.
Pak Tea House (photo credits to everyday Pakistan on Instagram)
The Sunday Book Bazaar started around the 1960s, by one Sheikh Abdul Haq. Its backdrop is the famous Pak Tea House, historically home to the Progressive Writer’s Movement. The bazaar extends from across the café, all the way to the end of the street, to across Hafiz Juice Corner. It is not altogether dissimilar to bookstalls outside Frere Hall, or even the well-known Urdu Bazaar, which takes place close by.
It is said that this book bazaar is every Lahori’s final resort to find rare editions, as the books sold here are not found in more established bookshops. Here, one can find books from all genres, from books on biology to engineering manuals, to the finest literature in both Urdu and English. Besides English and Urdu, there are collections in other languages, such as encyclopedias or biographies in Chinese, Hindi, and Russian. And most of these books are very affordable, with some being sold for as low as Rs. 30.
One can find the rarest antique books, to the latest popular bestsellers. Most of these books are second-hand, taken from or donated by personal collections, or libraries which would otherwise throw them away. Some can still be found with names, hidden notes and bookmarks in them, which becomes a treasure in itself. Alongside books, some vendors also sell old records and movie posters, from the old theatres that used to operate close to the Mall.
Both young and old visit the book bazaar, and it has become something of a recreational activity for the people of Lahore. Students from all over the city venture here to buy research books, or test preparation books at affordable prices. Meanwhile, regular customers have been visiting the bazaar for years, and see it as the best possible option to gain knowledge at affordable rates.
Visitors Exploring the Book Stalls (photo credits to Hamna Jabbar)
Searching for the right book here does require a bit of patience and an open mind. The most interesting books can often be found on the ground, under heaps of other strange and tattered editions. Luck is very important, and there is no telling what one can discover. Personal favorites include a Van Gogh art book, and a 1936 edition of Russian author Nikolai Gogol’s “Dead Souls”.
Since the book vendors here have been setting up stalls since the 60’s, many of the vendors are often related to each other. They understand the value of each author and work, and some will even recommend authors and books based on what they see people pick up. While haggling is certainly an option, it may work against one’s favor. As a vendor rightly quipped, “We don’t sell suits, we sell books! We know their value, and they’re worth the investment!”
Books and Magazines available on Sale (photo credits to al Arabiya English)
However, there has not been any expansive documentation or research into this bazaar, as it is considered an informal market. Earlier, the Punjab government had announced plans to make a “book street” on Thornton Road in 2009. But so far, there has been no immediate plans to implement this idea, nor to legitimize these book vendors.
The Sunday Book Bazaar is a treasure trove of information, and carries an impressive collection of books that may not be found anywhere in the country. It is a space where everyone can come together to celebrate their love of reading, no matter where they are from. Whether one goes there for the first time or returns regularly, a Sunday spent at the Book Bazaar will always be an enjoyable adventure.
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