Membership
For the books that leave the room
Visiting, playing and reading at the Temple of Chess is free, and it stays that way. The membership exists for one reason only: so that a book can go home with you and come back.
The fee keeps the collection maintained. The deposit is refundable and returns to you when the book does.
Annual membership
Plus a refundable deposit against the book you borrow, returned in full when you bring it back.
How it works
Come in
Visit the Temple and find the book you want to take home.
Join
Pay ₹1,000 + GST for the year and fill in a short form.
Leave a deposit
A refundable deposit is held against the book you are borrowing.
Return and refund
Bring the book back in good condition and the deposit comes back to you in full.
Questions
Do I need a membership to visit?
No. Visiting, playing and reading inside the Temple of Chess is free for everyone and always will be. The membership only covers taking a book out of the room.
How much is the deposit?
It depends on the book, since some of the collection is rare or out of print. You will be told the amount before you borrow, and the full sum comes back when the book does.
What if a book is damaged or lost?
The deposit covers replacement. Many of these books cannot be bought again, so we ask members to treat them accordingly.
Can I donate books instead?
Yes. The collection exists because someone gave theirs away. Message us on Instagram and we will tell you what is useful.