About Us
"Culture shouldn't be available only to those who can afford it."
That belief lies at the heart of The Bookshelves (TBS)—a café-based book exchange network created to bring the joy of reading back into everyday life.
Our Story
The story of The Bookshelves begins not with a business plan, but with a friendship. In their very first year of college, Kavya Gupta, a quiet bibliophile with a passion for cultural accessibility, met Dinky Sheth, an energetic marketing enthusiast who believed every great idea deserves a great audience.
Bonding over literature, late-night café visits, and a shared frustration with the high cost of books, the two began to dream of a world where reading wasn't a luxury, but a lifestyle.
After two years of ideation, experimentation, and late-night planning sessions, The Bookshelves emerged—not just as a service, but as a movement to make books accessible, affordable, and alive in the heart of the city.
What We Do
At The Bookshelves, we offer a subscription-based book exchange system hosted in partner cafés across Kolkata. For a nominal monthly fee and a refundable safety deposit, readers can borrow from a thoughtfully curated collection of books—while enjoying their favorite coffee spots.
These aren't just books—they're shared experiences, literary companions, and quiet adventures waiting to be discovered.
The Road Ahead
Our vision is to make every café corner a literary hub—where books circulate freely, ideas are exchanged openly, and a new reading culture blooms at the heart of urban life.
As we grow, we aim to:
Because everyone deserves access to culture.
And every story deserves to be read.
Meet Our Team
Kavya Gupta
Founder, The Bookshelves
A reader at heart, building bridges between culture and community.
Dinky Sheth
Co-Founder, The Bookshelves
A storyteller and strategist, making literature accessible—one café at a time.
Our Impact
What Our Community Says
The Bookshelves has completely changed how I discover new books. I love the community aspect!
— Priya M., Member since 2022
As a café owner, partnering with TBS has brought in new customers and created a wonderful atmosphere.
— Rahul S., Blue Tokai Coffee