College Street in Kolkata, usually referred to as Book Colony (Boi Para), has recently witnessed gloomy days due to the rapid adoption of technology among book readers. Once considered Asia’s largest second-hand book market, the heartbeat of this marketplace has waned due to the evolution of digital reading lifestyles. Empty bookstores, reduced visits by book lovers, and fading conversations stand as testimony to the present situation. This story traces the legacy, decline, and uncertain future of College Street’s iconic used book trade. The legendary history of Kolkata’s College Street book market extends back to the early nineteenth century. The founding…