‘Free Books’, these are the two magical words for every ardent reader. I mean the magnificent dead tree turned into a free library is so dreamy. Also, ‘Bal Pustakalaya’, a free library for underprivileged kids has our heart. After all, every person should get an opportunity to read and learn new things.
With this noble thought in mind, a group of eight students have now set up an open library at Jeet playground in Kothrud, Pune. Accessible to all, they have named this initiative as the ‘Open Library Movement’, reports Pune Mirror.
Open 24×7, a bookshelf has been placed along one of the walls in the playground, where people can come and drop books they no longer need or require. Anyone can then simply access the books available in the bookshelf.
Currently, boasting of 200 books, they have a wide collection of Marathi and English novels along with books for competitive exams and biographies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Babasaheb Ambedkar and so on.
Speaking about the unique concept, Abhishek Awchar, an author and member of the Open Library Movement was quoted saying, “Many people have offered financial aid. We do not want to involve these. We will accept books and bookshelves only. We believe that the citizens will take this cause ahead.”
The movement which solely runs on books donated by people will be maintained by the residents of the respective area. It seems they run on the principle ‘for the people, by the people and of the people’. The group aims to put out almost 100 more libraries by the end of the year 2020.
The good news is, you can also be part of this great initiative by donating and sharing your collection of books. Simply contact 9422921192 for more information.
Cover Image Source – Left