Bengaluru’s iconic independent bookstore The Bookworm has suffered heavy losses after torrential rain flooded its Church Street premises, destroying an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 books.
“Due to heavy rain in Bangalore we lost 4000 to 5000 books,” the store posted on Instagram on Wednesday, sharing photographs that showed knee‑deep water inside the narrow aisles, soaking stacks of books piled from floor to ceiling.
The Bookworm, widely regarded as a haven for bibliophiles, is known for its vast collection of new and pre‑loved titles across genres. Founded more than two decades ago, the store has built a loyal following among readers in the city and beyond.
The post triggered an outpouring of support from customers and fellow readers. “If at all there is any help any of us can do, please let us know,” one user commented. Another wrote, “We will help by buying more books than ever before from you.” Several others asked how the community could contribute to the bookstore’s recovery.
The store is owned and run by Krishna Gowda, affectionately known among Bengaluru’s reading community as “Bookworm Krishna” or the “Bookman of Bengaluru”. Gowda has long been credited with keeping independent bookselling alive in the city, even as rents on Church Street have surged.
The damage follows intense spells of rain that lashed Bengaluru over the past few days, leading to widespread flooding across low‑lying areas. Authorities issued an orange alert for the city earlier this week, while multiple incidents linked to the rain, including a wall collapse at Bowring Hospital, were reported.
While the bookstore has not yet detailed the financial impact of the loss, readers online have continued to urge Gowda to share ways to help — from direct purchases to community-driven support.
