The world’s largest book
Szinpetri is a small village in northern Hungary, with less than 300 residents, but it is also home to the largest handmade book in the world. The giant volume was crafted using traditional book-binding techniques, adjusted to a much larger scale of course, and was created by 71-year-old Béla Varga.
A secret Library
4 years ago Darayya, near Siriya’s capital, was attacked. The people of Darayya protected and hid 14,000 books in a secret place to save them from the bomb attack. In 1900, in Dunhuang, a city in China, a cave was found which was shut for more than 1000 years. Researchers found handwritten books of the 11th century hidden and preserved inside the cave. Wang Yuwanlu took responsibility for these books. Later Oreal Steel from Hungary purchased 10,000 these books. In 1910, the Chinese government realized the importance of these books and requested all to return them back to China. But, by then 80% of the books were already in other countries. There were handwritten documents on the calendar based on stars and planets and other astrological theories.
Library in a salon
Po Mariappam owns a salon in Tuticorin, TamilNadu. He has made a library in his salon for the customers to read while they wait. The library has a collection of famous Tamil books. There is no radio or television n the salon. A good reader is given rs.30/- discount in his service. Many authors are donating books to Mariappam’s library.
Building a wall of kindness by the book: Kothrud
A group of eight students has placed books near a playground in Kothrud- a library that is open for all. The idea of wall of kindness is now replicated in Pune, wherein a group of students is encouraging people to place books near the wall in Kothrud. They call this the open library movement. The initiative solely runs on the books donated by the people.
Vachankatta
In order to create interest in reading among students, the primary school in Kusumbimura in Javali taluka has started “Vachankatta”. Students are loving this place made of bamboo and red stones. They spent hours here reading and studying.
The bullock cart mobile library
Kashinath Koli, a native of a small village named Darganhalli near Solapur felt the need of a library in his village and the surrounding villages. He started a mobile library with his bullock cart. The villagers are loving this new library.
The most tranquil library in the world
This library on the coast in China was created to provide a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, blending with its surroundings. Though the building looks solid externally, the ambiance inside shifts from light to dark as the sunlight moves across the sky.
The building’s design provides a uniquely calming and tranquil experience for the visitor.
Watch to know more: http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20190725-the-most-tranquil-library-in-the-world
Granthasakha
Granthasakha is not just an ordinary library but Alibaba’s cave of more than two lakh book jewels. Retired professor Shri. Shyamsundar Joshi sir set up this library with savings of his entire service. Granthsakha
Watch his story here
Pustakanch Gaav
Pustakanch gaav (English: Village of Books) is a special library in Bhilar, Maharashtra that opened on May 4, 2017.[1] The initiative was conceptualized and led by Vinod Tawde, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Marathi Language[2] and inaugurated by Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra. This government initiative is inspired by Britain’s Hay-on-Wye, a notable Welsh town known for its book stores. At the time of launch, there were 25 artistically decorated locations in Bhilar that are turned into spots for readers; collectively they housed over 15,000 books[3] in 18 distinct genres. Most books were in Marathi language and there were plans to add additional 25,000 books[4] in other languages such as English, Hindi, and Gujarati.
Read more about Pustakanch Gaav
Bebitai Gaikwad
Bebitai Gaikwad, a vegetable vendor, studied only till standard 9. But she always loved to be amidst the books. She spends one hour every morning reading books. She keeps 5 rs. aside every day to buy books. She now has a good collection of books at her home and distributes thousands of books to school children. She is also educating 12 Adivasi students.
Remote Himalayan Hill library
The library at Champawat’s Poth village has over 700 books and has helped students inculcate the habit of reading. The library is set up with the help of “Room to Read”, a non-profit focused on children’s literacy. Setting up a library in the hills was a challenge. The books were carried on mules or porters through the forest.
Chocolate Book Series
Chocolate Pustak Mala initiative is in function since 2008. Distributing books to the school children instead of chocolates was the idea behind this initiative. Through this initiative, more than 1 Lakh books have been distributed in the journey of 11 years. The books are small 16 page books each priced just a rupee. Founder and Author: Govind Godbole
Library with a difference, Jakarta
This is an open-air reading park for kids wedged between the lanes of traffic in Jakarta. The library is located below a flyover. Bookshelves are stuffed with hand-me-down kids’ books, Kids attend the afterschool sessions at the library, where they read stories with teachers, get help with homework or sing and dance. Despite its unlikely location, the Taman Baca Masyarakat Kolong has become a hit. Library Co-ordinator- Devina Febrianti Post- No quiet rules at Indonesia’s flyover library
Vicharkranti Sarvajanik Vachanalay and Abhyasika Jakhori
Vicharkranti Sarvajanik Vachanalay is an initiative to support the needy students and is located in Jakhori, Nasik. It was founded in 2017. Contact person- Mr. Suhas Khade Mobile number- 7021099067 Email- khade8519@gmail.com facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vicharkranti-Sarvajanik-Vachnalay-and-Abhyasika-Jakhori/1590004841011263
The Community Library Project
The Community Library Project believes all people should have access to books. They are a low-cost, volunteer-driven, citizen initiative. They are committed to the work of building the movement for a publicly owned library system that is accessible to all. Working in collaboration with Deepalaya NGO, They started their first library in the Ramditti J R Narang Deepalaya Learning Center in New Delhi’s Sheikh Sarai in January 2015. Since then, they have helped Deepalaya in opening two new libraries, in Sanjay Colony and Gole Kuan, New Delhi and one in collaboration with Agrasar, in Sikanderpur, Gurgaon.
Website- www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org
Blog- https://www.thecommunitylibraryproject.org/nav/blogs
Poetry Van
A Bhuvaneshwar-based popular bookstore Walking Bookfairs initiated a unique tour of 30 cities in 20 states. The tour titled ‘Poems on the Road’ spanned more than 10,000 km and conduct poem library, open mic and poetry recital sessions. Founder- Akshaya Bahibala Co-Founder- Satabdi Mishra
Street Library, Kolkata
These are 24*7 open library that runs near a school in Bhowanipore, where anyone could walk in, read books or take them home. There is now a chain of 15 such libraries in Kolkata. All the libraries have an eclectic collection of books ranging from 1980s’ pulp fiction, books in Hindi, Gujarati, and Punjabi, to philosophy and self-help books. Founder- Saswati Datta
Sister Library
It is a small pink-colored corner inside Kochi’s Pepper House and is a collection of books, Zines, graphics novels and texts by women authors. It is a traveling bookshelf that has parked itself at the ongoing Kochi Biennale. Founder- Aqui Thami Blog- sister-library-workshops
Words and Sips books cafe
With a really pretty and cozy ambiance, this place has its walls filled with either bookshelves or quirky drawings. They have a great collection of books in English and Marathi. They charge Rs. 50 per person for 3 hours. They also serve good quality yummy food that adds flavor to the reading. They organize different live events on weekends which are totally worth attending! Founders- Izaz Shaikh, Pradeep Tambake, Devidas Gavhane Website- words-and-sips-book-cafe.business.site Contact- 080070 27261 Address-
Self Study Zone
No books library or self-study zone is an initiative in Rajasthan where libraries are set up to provide a pleasant and silent study area for students. The library provides facilities such as free wifi for online reading, newspaper, AC, furnished study area, ample lights. These facilities are provided at 400-600 rs to each student. Students who have to travel long during the exams, now study in the library. These libraries are set up in different parts of Rajasthan. Jaipur library- Tara Anava, Mr. Surjit
Marathi School in Melbourne
With his love for the language, Mr. Prasad Patil started a Marathi school in Melbourne on the basis of no profit no loss. He hails from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. To keep the regional language alive and to inculcate the habit of reading Marathi books among the children who live abroad he came up with this school.
Bookathon
Libraries are set up in Government Schools, Orphanages, and Community Libraries across the state of Kerala. Their volunteers pay a visit to the beneficiary institution to identify the requirements. They accept all genre books donation from the community and take the books to the relevant kids in need. Founders- Tejus, HANDS, and Technopark website- bookathontechnopark.com
Book Uncle
To inculcate reading habit among the children and to make them explore new worlds through reading, book uncle initiative was started. After becoming a member of this library, 20 books are given each month to the children for reading. The parents are also given guidance about how to make their children read more. This initiative has reached more than 3500 parents. Founder- K S Vishwanathan Iyer
Book on Wheels
India’s first mobile bookshop, Author talks, Book fairs.
Bookwallah
Bookwallah is U.S. based 501 c (3) non-profit organization that shares the gift of imagination with orphan children around the world through the distribution of storybooks and the creation of inspiring libraries. Bookwallah brings hope, happiness, and inspiration to children who have experienced hardship and trauma early in their lives. Bookwallah believes these children’s lives can be healed and transformed through the power and magic of storybooks. The origin of the name of the organization comes from the Hindi translation “Bookwallah” which means “book peddler”.
Pustak Maitri Bal vachanalay
One box ‘Peti’ contains 100 books. Children read the books and return them on the next day. The library is maintained by the children themselves. All the books are free of cost. Today there are more than 50 Pustak Maitri Bal vachnalaya. Founder- Narendra Lanjewar Blog- https://twitter.com/
Granth Tumchya Dari Yojana
Grantha Tumchya Dari has 555 bags filled with 25 books each. Each bag has books all subjects and genre. You will never know the bag that you will get. You can keep the bag for 3 months and then return it once you’re done. Presently they are circulating in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Dubai, and the Netherlands. Founder- Vinayak Ranade
Rural Library Foundation
The mission of the Rural Library Foundation is to inculcate the reading habit in the rural children and youth, primarily with the support of a sponsor from each village, and to assist them in enhancing their knowledge as they grow, to become confident, competent, and caring individuals.Contact Details +91-9492383100 rlfindia.org@gmail.com http://www.rlfindia.org/website/index.php
Local Public Library
Objective of this initiative is to provide reading facility to children Founders – Vibha Kamat, Vaishali Shinde, Sonal Bimal Location – Mumbai Email – vibhakamat@gmail.com
Parag
School libraries can be the most efficient source of access to literature for a majority of children who are enrolled in schools, but do not have books at home. However, 74% schools do not have functional libraries. Recognizing this need, Tata Trusts launched the Parag initiative in 2005-06. Parag supports the development of, access to, and use of children’s literature in Indian languages, to promote reading among children.Founded by – Tata Trust Address – Bombay House, 24, Homi Mody Street, Mumbai 400 001, India Contact – +91 – 22 – 6665 8282 Email – talktous@tatatrusts.org
Pratham – Read India
Read India, Pratham’s flagship program, was first introduced in 2007 with the objective of improving the reading, writing and basic arithmetic skills of children in the 6-14 age group. The program has evolved over time in response to internal learnings and external evaluations. In the current phase of Read India, the objective is to ensure basic learning outcomes in language and mathematics.Address Y.B. Chavan Center, 4th Floor, Gen. J. Bhosale Marg. Nariman Point Mumbai, Maharashtra-400021 Contact – +91 22 22819561 Email – info@pratham.org Website – http://www.pratham.org
Granth Yaan
Marathi Granth Sangrahalaya (MGS) has launched a mobile library in Thane to enhance the reading culture. It goes to various places and provides library services to readers near their residence.Founder / President – M.Y. Gokhale Address Marathi Granth Sanghrahalay, Station Rd, Juhu Chandan Society, Jambli Naka, Thane West, Thane, Maharashtra 400601Contact – +91 22 2540 6787 Website – http://granthyan.com
Pratham Books
Pratham books is democratising access to books so that every child can discover the joy of reading. Children who read more, learn better and are more likely to succeed at school as well as in life. Their delightful, engaging storybooks are published in a range of mother tongue languages and formats to get children to read more.Founders – Madhav Chavan and Farida Lambay Address House No. 621, Second Floor, 5th Main, OMBR Layout, Banaswadi, Bengaluru – 560043, Karnataka, India Contact – +91-80-42052574, +91-80-41159009 Email – donateabook@prathambooks.org Website – www.prathambooks.org
Amway Opportunity Foundation (AFO)
The organisation set up this library as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. It was inaugurated by Yoganand S., Area Manager- Tamil Nadu, Amway India, on April 25. There are over 1,000 books and most of them are for children aged between 6 and 16 years. It caters to the 300 inmates of the orphanage and is also open to outsiders.Contact person – Yoganand S., Area Manager- Tamil Nadu Contact – +91 44- 22672236/22673338
Sanskriti
To help, educate and empower the underprivileged deserving children to realize their full potential and to promote the different resources and opportunities which will lead to a progressive socio-economic development of society and a better nation.Founder – Joginder Rohilla Address Lakshmamma Layout, Banaswadi Bahadurgarh, Haryana Contact – +91 9650504735 Email – connect@khushiyan.org Website – www.khushiyan.org/sanskriti-lets-be-the-change
Ashoka University- Shanghvi mobile library
Concerned about the rural population’s lack of access to reading and learning, the Shanghvi Library at Ashoka has introduced a mobile library that operates in the villages of Haryana.Founded by – Ashoka University Address Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana 131029 Contact – +91 130 230 0000 Email – info@ashoka.edu.in Website – www.ashoka.edu.in/stories/how-three-villages-in-haryana-got-access-to-books-237
DLF Rural Mobile Libraries
Rural Mobile Libraries have been introduced in rural Haryana with the aim of promoting reading habits across a vast section of the rural population.Founded by – DLF Foundation Address DLF Foundation 4th Floor, Gateway Tower, DLF Cyber City, Phase III, Gurgaon-122002,Haryana(India) Contact – +91-124-4769200 Email – dlffoundation@dlf.in Website – www.dlffoundation.in
Bookspace India Pvt ltd
1 book for 1 week at doorstepFounders – Prasad Kulkarni and Abhijeet Nakhate Address 3-4 Silver Arch Apartments, Lane No 3, Dahanukar Colony, Pune, Maharashtra 411038 Contact – +91 84080 20606 Website – https://bookspace.in