Originally a newspaper stall, the larri is loaded with foreign and Indian novels. Though his magazines are also lent out for circulation, it is the novels that separate this library from others, claims BP.

The unique feature of this library, incidentally, is that none of the books are for sale, no matter the amount of money offered. Anyone can, however, borrow a novel for about 10 days after paying the ``reading charges,'' as BP terms it.

Giving details about his business, BP, who was born and brought up in Vadodara, says he got the idea of a circulating library from a childhood visit to Mumbai. ``I felt people in Vadodara too should have access to books without having to spend astronomical amounts on them'', he says.

The best-sellers of Sheldon, Crichton, Grisham, Ludlum, Archer are the fastest movers, according to BP. ``The young crowd usually goes in for Archer and Sheldon. Master of the Game, If Tomorrow Comes, both by Sheldon and Archer's The Eleventh Commandment are hot favourites, as are the Mills and Boon romances''.

The rules are simple. Anyone wishing to become a member of the library has to pay Rs 100 as monthly charges another Rs 50 as deposit, just in case s/he doesn't intend returning the book. Otherwise, one can borrow any novel after paying a deposit of Rs 150, and get back Rs 135 on returning it.

``I fear people with transferable jobs'', he says. ``People of this particular category are the ones most careless about returning books. So I don't entertain such people.''

A class X drop-out from a Gujarati medium school, BP can effortlessly reel off names of foreign authors and their latest books, though he admits he hasn't read a single one. ``I have many educated friends, who keep me informed about good authors and their books. I read newspaper reviews too that helps me keep track of good novels'', he beams.

BP deals in second-hand books as well as brand new ones. For instance, the rave reviews for The God of Small Things made him go and buy a new copy to hire out.

BP's circulating library, like all businesses, goes through ups and downs. The monsoons might bring relief to many, but it is bad news for BP's business. ``During the rains, water starts seeping into the shop and books get destroyed'', he says.

For all the tribulations, BP is happy as he is. ``I don't want dream of setting up a big publishing house and minting money, for big businesses mean big problems. I am happy with my setup,'' he says.