A little guide to borrowing ♡

Books are happier when they’re being read.

Here are a few simple things to help every book find its way to you, be loved, and returned safely for its next reader.

One book at a time ♡

To give more readers a chance to enjoy the collection, each reader can borrow one book at a time. Once you’ve returned it, you’re welcome to request your next read!

How long can I keep a book?

Each book can be borrowed for 15 days from the date of collection or delivery. Please keep an eye on your return date so the next reader doesn’t have to wait too long for their turn.

Need a little extra reading time? Just reach out before your due date through the website or DM us. A maximum of 7 days of extensions may be possible depending on whether or not someone else has requested the book.

How do collections and deliveries work?

Let’s get your book from my shelf to your hands!

Safar-e-Siyahi currently lends within Bangalore only.

For readers nearby

If you’re within approximately 2–3 km of my PIN code (my area), we can coordinate an in-person collection and return at a mutually convenient time.

For readers a little farther away

I’ll arrange delivery through Rapido, wherever the service is available. The borrower is responsible for both the delivery fare and the return fare. These costs are separate from the free book loan itself and will not be covered or reimbursed by Safar-e-Siyahi.

When submitting your lending request, please select your preferred delivery date and time slot. I’ll use this to plan the handover, so please choose a slot when you’re reasonably certain you’ll be available to receive your book.

If you’re outside Bangalore, you can still register your interest, but lending isn’t available in your area just yet.

How do I return a book?

Before returning your book, please coordinate the handover with me. Readers within the local collection area can arrange an in-person return; for everyone else, the return will be arranged through Rapido where available, at the borrower’s expense.

What if a book is already requested?

If a book has multiple requests- it will show as “Lent Out” till the next available date. You can still send in a request and it will be processed in order. A request is not a confirmed booking until I get back to you and confirm the details.

Thank you for giving me a little time to manage requests fairly!

What if a book gets lost or damaged?

These books are shared with the hope that many readers will enjoy them, so please treat each one with care. Normal wear from reading is perfectly understandable, but please avoid writing in, highlighting, tearing, or otherwise damaging the books.

If a book is lost or accidentally damaged, please let me know as soon as possible so we can discuss a fair way to resolve it.

How long does it take for me to get the book?

Safar-e-Siyahi is a little labour of love, run by one person managing everything behind the scenes. Your patience and understanding mean a lot as I do my best to get books into the hands of their next readers. ♡

When submitting your lending request, you can select a preferred delivery date between 24 and 72 hours after your request, along with one of three delivery slots:

• Morning: 10 AM – 1 PM
• Afternoon: 2 PM – 5 PM
• Evening: 5 PM – 8 PM

I’ll do my best to arrange your book within your selected slot, subject to request approval and Rapido availability.

Please choose a slot when you’re sure you’ll be available to receive your book. If your plans change, kindly let me know in advance.

Thank you for helping this little library run smoothly. Happy reading! ♡

A little love and care goes a long way ♡

Every book at Safar-e-Siyahi is here to be enjoyed by many readers, and keeping them safe is a responsibility we share. Please handle each book with care and return it in the condition you received it, allowing for reasonable wear from reading.

Any instance of intentional damage, serious negligence, or misuse of a book will be taken seriously. Depending on the circumstances, this may result in the suspension or permanent removal of your borrowing privileges.

An important note about scheduling ♡

Safar-e-Siyahi is a goodwill-based initiative, lovingly managed by one person behind the scenes. From maintaining the catalogue to reviewing requests and coordinating deliveries, everything is handled by me, alongside my other commitments.

The date and time slot you select are therefore important. Please make sure you’re available during your chosen slot and plan ahead accordingly. If something comes up and you’re unable to receive your book, it’s your responsibility to let me know as early as possible, and in advance of your scheduled delivery.

Please don’t wait until the day of delivery to inform me of a change in plans, and please don’t assume that the delivery can be rescheduled automatically. Changes will need to be coordinated and may depend on availability.

I may not be able to send individual reminders or reach out to reconfirm your availability on the day. Your selected slot will be treated as your preferred commitment, subject to confirmation of your lending request and delivery arrangements.

Thank you for understanding that there’s a real person behind this little library, and for helping me keep things manageable. A little planning and communication goes a long way! ♡

We believe in building this little reading community on trust, kindness, and respect — for the books, for the next reader, and for the person taking care of it all behind the scenes. Thank you for helping us keep it that way. ♡

Have any more questions? Contact us