My story:
The Book I Wasn't Allowed to Keep
Let me share my story.
It was 2006, my graduation days.
Our college had a common library for all departments. Students could borrow books for a maximum of seven days, with a short gap before reissuing them. The idea was simple: everyone should get a chance to read the same book.
We were supposed to stay within our own department's section. Books were arranged in tall wooden blocks, almost like walls, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. At the ends of these blocks, there was a small gap between the shelves and the library wall to prevent moisture.
One day, out of curiosity, I used that little gap to sneak into the Arts section.
I was casually browsing the books when one caught my attention.
It had a shiny, solid green hardcover, golden borders, and golden lettering. It was mesmerising.
The title read: Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda.
I pulled it out and started reading. It was a collection of Swami Vivekananda's lectures, letters, and other writings. I found things I had never encountered in my classes, discussions, or newspapers.
So, I got the book issued. Luckily, the librarian didn't notice that I belonged to a different stream.
But then I noticed something fascinating.
Every book had a slip recording its last issue date and return date. When I checked this book's history, the last issue date was in 1985 — my birth year!
I was surprised. Had nobody read this book in all those years?
I read a few chapters, and before I knew it, seven days had passed.
It was time to return the book.
But I didn't want to.
I asked the librarian whether I could buy the book from the library. Initially, he refused. When I insisted, he suggested that I get written approval from one of my professors.
I approached a professor.
His first question was obvious: "This book belongs to the Arts section. How did you get there?"
I somehow dodged that question! 😅
He also refused to let me keep the book. But after I insisted, he finally said, "Fine. You'll have to pay ten times the book's price."
That was a difficult condition for a college student like me, who didn't even get pocket money regularly.
Still, I turned the book over to check its price.
And there it was: ₹10.
Remember, the book hadn't been issued since 1985. So, naturally, its price was from that era.
I immediately said, "Sir, I'm ready to pay ten times the price!"
He looked surprised. "What's the price?"
I smiled and replied, "₹10."
For a moment, I thought I had won.
But he refused again.
"No, no. You can't take it. Other students might read it too."
I tried one last argument.
"Sir, the last time anyone borrowed this book was in 1985. It's 2006 now. Nobody seems interested in it. Please let me take it."
But my arguments didn't work.
I had to return the book. And because it belonged to another department's section, I wasn't even allowed to reissue it.
That day, I learned something important.
Books can introduce you to ideas, perspectives, and knowledge that you might never encounter in a classroom, a discussion, or a newspaper.
Sometimes, a single book can leave such an impression that you remember it for years, even when you no longer have it.
I searched for that book in local markets afterward, but couldn't find it.
Fast-forward to 2025.
I finally bought the complete series of Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda — a magnificent collection of nine books (digital).
After almost two decades, I had finally have the books I once desperately wanted to keep.
I don't know whether that old library copy ever found another reader. But I know this: the curiosity it sparked in me never really went away.
Now I'm curious about your story.
Was there a book that made you fall in love with reading? Or one that you wanted to own so badly that you still remember the experience?
I'd love to hear your story. 📖
