Understanding more about Goa: books Finding relevant books on Goa can be challenging. That's because the place has a vibrant book publishing sector, but mostly coming from small publishers, which sometimes makes the books a bit difficult-to-notice. But it helps if you know where to start. This small region of 1.4 million has a very active book publishing sector, with varying levels of quality.
Goa's denizens are believed to have written in as many as 13 languages. And this place had the first European-introduced printing press in Asia, even if by accident, way back in 1556 BOOK PLACES, OLD AND NEW In Panjim's dusty and colonial-style building of the Government Printing Press (on M.G. Road, near Azad Maidan, and the Goa Police Headquarters) you find traces of the past. It's still just might be possible to buy a Portuguese-published book, what with its antique value, for a few rupees. That is, provided the staff is willing to oblige. Some other interesting outlets: * Broadway, at Sant Inez in Panjim (Ashirwad Building, near Caculo Island, at the western end of 18th June Road). Claims to have the largest bookshop in Goa, open till 9 pm, good prices and fair selection of Goa-related books. * OIBS (Other India Book Store, above Old Mapusa Clinic, Feira Alta, Mapusa 403507 Ph 2263306) www.otherindiabookstore.com This alternative space is hidden atop what used to be a hospital, and draws foreign tourists (who mostly drop in after visiting Mapusa's Friday market) and those looking out for alternate literature. This is a prominent mail-order outlet, but locals are often largely unaware of it. Entrance is from the rear of the old Mapusa Clinic Building... you could get lost. Good selection of Goa-related books, and have many of those in print. They publish an often-updated "Goa books" and also alternative-books catalogue. Far cheaper to buy locally (or order from within India) and pay in rupees. http://www.goacom.org/oib/ * Hotel Mandovi's bookshop (near the Panjim ferry jetty) is easier to locate and centrally located. D. B. Marg, Panaji, Goa 403001. www.hotelmandovigoa.com Ph 0832 - 2426270, 2426271, 2426272, 2426273 2424405, 2224406, 2224407, 2224405. Small but very current collection of local books. * Golden Heart Emporium in Margao (Confidant Book House, Behind GPO, Margao ph 2732450). A large bookshop in South Goa. * Varsha Book Stall, in Panjim, near the centrally-located Azad Maidan. More of a newspaper stall, tiny and packed with paper, but also with some useful collections of new (and old) books. * Literati in Calangute (Opp Tarcar Ice Factory, near ABC Farms). Literati is a bookshop and cafe situated in an old restored house located at E/1-282 Gaura Vaddo, Calangute, on the coast of the region of Goa. There is a new books and old books section and a reference room is also in the process of evolving. Divya Kapur, who runs it, says the aim is also for Literati to evolve into a space where book readings, book clubs, theatre, workshops, exhibitions, music, dance and other activities can take place on a small scale. It was inaugurated in November 2005. Goa also has some interesting libraries. The Rare Books section at Central Library (opposite Azad Maidan, near the Ferry Jetty at Panjim), the Goa University's library (at the GU campus, Taleigao Plateau), the Xavier Centre of Historical Research and its neighbouring Thomas Stevens Konknni Kendra at Alto Porvorim (Bakibab Borkar Road, opposite the Water Tank), and more utilitarian libraries run by the municipalities of Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and elsewhere. Goa University library is online at http://goalnet.unigoa.ac.in/gulibrary/index.htm
