Want to Read Books for Free? Visit This 139-Year-Old Iconic Bookstore in Kolkata!

If you love books, College Street in Kolkata is probably already on your radar — it’s where stories breathe from every corner, and students walk around with armfuls of second-hand books and fresh ideas. But tucked between the bustling bookstalls and chai shops is a quiet treasure many still don’t know about. Welcome to Das Gupta & Company Pvt. Ltd, a 139-year-old heritage bookshop that’s not just about buying books — it lets you read them for free.

Yes! You heard that right. Hidden inside this historic bookstore is a rooftop library, open to all, where you can sit, read, and lose yourself in pages of everything from Bengali classics to global bestsellers. Curious how? Well, grab your reading wish list, because we are about to take you on a journey through a place where you can finally read everything from your favourite writers, without spending a single rupee.

Step Inside Kolkata’s Oldest Bookstore — It All Began with Just 50 Books

At first glance, Das Gupta & Co. looked like just another tiny bookshop tucked into the endless lanes of College Street. But the moment we stepped inside, we felt it — this wasn’t just a store, it was a story unfolding. It almost felt like walking into that enchanted tent from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — ordinary outside, magical within. 

"Late Shri Girish Chandra Das Gupta started this shop in 1886 with just 50 books on the shelves, and Das Gupta & Co. has over 5,00,000 books under one roof. You’ll never run out of options." With a mischievous smile, Arabinda Das Gupta, the current owner and the fifth generation of the family to run the shop, said, " This idea was a long-time wish I wanted to do something for people who cannot afford books but love to read. " He added with a twinkle in his eye, “This idea was a long-time wish, I wanted to do something for people who cannot afford books but love to read. We relocated our accounts section and converted the rooftop into a free library. We are open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, except Sundays," Arabinda explained. "No fees, no memberships, just a love for reading."

We asked about the library, and the man at the counter pointed left. It looked like just another part of the bookshop — but that’s where the real discovery began. This room was the hidden path to the rooftop library.  There, you’ll find yourself among rows of old wooden bookshelves divided by genre — Bengali literature, Accounting and Finance, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Fiction. The vibe is unmistakably old Calcutta.

And it’s not just about the books — the architecture of this place holds stories too. The Bengali-style rooftop called koribarga, old ceiling fans lazily spinning, and centre tables stacked with books — it feels like you’ve stepped into the set of a Byomkesh Bakshi film. Outside the store, beautifully painted on the wall, is the Bengali alphabet — Borno Porichoy — a gentle reminder that reviving Bengali literature is just as important to this shop as selling books.

But this was just the beginning. Inside the room lined with bookshelves, we spotted a plastic curtain tucked in a quiet corner. We lifted it — and there it was. A narrow staircase, almost hidden, with handwritten notes on the wall: “Free Reading Library – Read More Books.” It felt like a secret society for book lovers, far from the city’s chaos.

As we climbed up, every step revealed more — walls lined with books, stacks tucked into corners, even foreign publications from China, Japan, Russia, Korea, and classic Oxford editions. To the right, we found a jhul veranda — a charming balcony with a sweeping view of College Street, perfect for sitting down and escaping into a book.

And just when we thought we’d seen it all, more hand-painted signs appeared, guiding us left, toward the rooftop. A quiet, sunlit space filled with stories, scattered books, and pure joy. Books are everywhere — wrapped in brown and white paper, stacked in boxes, lining every shelf. Wherever you look, a story waits to be read.

On the rooftop, you’ll find a diverse collection of books—from romantic novels (from soft romance to dark romance), popular psychology books, bestseller self-help books, rare books, global literature, children’s storybooks, and competitive exam materials, all in one room.

It’s a space where students revise, elderly visitors find comfort, and book lovers can get lost for hours — all completely free.

A small corner of the shop showcases vintage printing tools, typewriters, stamps, and other stationery items that have been passed down through generations. “Most of these belonged to my father, Amulya Chandra Das Gupta. That 1941 telephone was used until it simply stopped working,” said Arabinda, smiling with pride.

Over the years, this place has been a hub for bright minds from Presidency College, Hindu School, and Hare School. Since 1902, it has stood at its current address — 54/3 College Street — and now proudly holds a Grade II heritage status from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

“We’re also launching a digital library by June or July 2025, and we’ve opened a second branch near Ashutosh Mukherjee’s house for those who can’t visit College Street often,” Arabinda added.

But their mission goes beyond just reading. They’re nurturing future writers through creative writing workshops, storytelling sessions for kids, and even a publication course in collaboration with Calcutta University. When we asked about eligibility, Arabinda smiled and said, “Any writer who writes good stuff is welcome. We don’t judge by name — we look for good content.”

So next time you’re in College Street or just craving a good read, follow the signs — and let Das Gupta & Co. take you somewhere unforgettable!