Kodaikanal Fellowship - KMU Library

06/02/2026

KFL - KODAIKANAL FELLOWSHIP LIBRARY
By Zareen Babu

We have a 'talking' library in Kodaikanal with very interesting books and very interesting members. Some are local and some are visitors who become members from other parts because they visit often.

It was started by American Missionaries as KMU, Kodaikanal Missionary Union, but today it is KFL, Kodaikanal Fellowship Library. We have a committee and volunteers who keep the library functioning.

We are open Monday, Thursday and Saturday 11-1 and it is a lovely meeting place. Members and non members can visit but only members with a yearly subscription can check out books. You can buy a cup of coffee with biscuits for a nominal price.

We hold occasional book readings and talks by our local authors and some guests and also celebrate pot luck get togethers for occasions like Diwali, Idd, Christmas etc. If in Kodaikanal do visit. It's on the KIS campus, near the second gate.

Lathika George's talk on winning the award from the Patricia..

Upcoming programs are
Book exchange 16th Feb
Book discussion. Mahesh Rao. 26th Feb
Lathika George's talk on winning the 2025 Patricia Kailis International Writing Fellowship by Centre for Stories and her travels through Australia in that connection. 12th March

The pictures highlight some of our past events and members.

19/12/2024

5 golden rings...

19/12/2024

https://photos.app.goo.gl/TPZAtJKesq1BPiqJ8

46 new items added to shared album

19/12/2024

Kodaikanal Missionary Union library is a community library, attached to Kodaikanal International School, but run by local members. The library is now called Kodaikanal Fellowship Library, which is very appropriate for the present times, and is open Mondays/Thursdays, 10 am - 1 pm.

It is a 'talking' library, where members come in not only to pick up books but to also have a social chat and a cup of tea.

This year in particular we have had several book reading sessions and discussions, possible as many authors reside in Kodaikanal. We hope to have more activities in the future including a book reading challenge, poetry readings, book exchanges and so on.

Membership to the KFL is now open for year 2025, with a differing annual fee structure i.e. Regular Rs 600, Family Rs 600, Seniors (60+) Rs 300. There is also a deposit amount to be paid that is refundable after a year. If you are interested to become a member, kindly pop in during library hours to complete enrollment formalities.

We had our annual get together on 16th of December 2024, with music and carol singing, followed by pot luck lunch, held as usual at the KMU main hall. It is a wonderful occasion to express our community fellowship, always well attended by members, their spouses and some with their families too.

The carol singing was led by Bob Granner on the piano, Dr. Kolhatker on the guitar, and choir led by Liz Jones, Pippa Mukherjee and Stephanie Jones. Others who stepped in to sing were David Prince whose favourite carol is the very popular 12 Days of Christmas. Smriti and her daughter Amara made a lovely duo as they sang carols together. And our MC Beulah Kolhatkar did a great job.

Everyone joined in to sing to their heart's content. Thank you all for being there and bringing the festive season in.

I also take this opportunity to thank Mr. Corey Stixrud, principal at KIS, for allowing us to use the main hall, and for providing staff to help decorate the space under the able supervision of Mr Thiraviam.

Thank you also members of the Library committee who worked hard behind the scenes to co-ordinate the event.

And of course thank you to Ms Sumitha for being our photographer and creating these albums.

Though it is hard to remain positive in the face of so many devastating worldwide situations let this season of Advent/Christmas offer hope to the world.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.