https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

A ‘Novel’ Step: Delhi Park Opens Library for Visitors

After the success of ‘open gym’ in parks, it’s now turn of the ‘open library’. Park visitors can avail books and newspapers for free. An initiative of Deputy Commissioner of Western Zone, IAS Rahul Singh.
Indian Masterminds Stories

The concept of ‘open library’ is new to Delhi. So, naturally, people’s interest was piqued by the announcement of the opening of a first-of-its-kind ‘Open Library’ at Madhav Park in Rajouri Garden by South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC). An initiative of IAS officer Rahul Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Western Zone of SDMC, the library keeps books and daily newspapers. And true to its name, it’s open for all.

THE CONCEPT

Anybody can walk in to the park and pick up a book or the daily newspaper to read or casually glance through. Imagine going to a park in the morning for your morning walk and getting the facility to read all the major newspapers there, and that too for free!

Where did this refreshing idea come from? SDMC Commissioner IAS Gyanesh Bharti, while speaking to Indian Masterminds, said, “The youth and seniors who come to the park early in the morning will now strengthen their fitness as well as their knowledge. People desire good health. This initiative of ours will give them a fit body as well as a fit mind.”

The library is decked up with books relating to stories, spiritual learnings, Indian history, current affairs and much more. Daily newspapers from various News Agencies will also be available. (Credit: Twiter)

WHAT IT OFFERS

At present, this open library has a collection of about 350 books provided by various NGOs. The books range from spirituality, history, current events to novels. A librarian is present from 7 am to 6 pm to take care of the books and help people.

Besides books, the library also keeps all major Hindi and English dailies, so that early morning walkers can now complete their daily ritual of reading their favourite newspapers in the fresh open air of the park.

A feedback register is kept in the library to know the views and suggestions of visitors. Seating arrangements are also there, while an umbrella has been installed to shield people from the sun.

The Inaugural ceremony of Open Library marked the gracious presence of Guest (Credit: Twitter)

TARGET AND UPKEEP

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Singh feels that this facility in the park will especially appeal to the senior citizens as they can come to the park and read books in peace. “We appealed to the local RWAs to donate old books to increase the collection of books in the library. A guard and personnel from the Horticulture Department have also been deployed to ensure the maintenance and security of the library’, he said.

Happy with the initial positive response of people to this initiative and the good publicity it has received so far, SDMC now plans to introduce such ‘open libraries’ in other parks of the western zone as well.

A feedback register is placed at the library where people may give their innovative suggestions to improve the facilities and the working of the library. (Credit: Twitter)

A step in the right direction, no doubt. Any step that encourages people to read is laudable and ought to be replicated.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
GAINS 2025 GRSE
From AI to Green Energy: Defence Secy RK Singh Launches GAINS 2025 to Drive Shipbuilding Innovation at GRSE
Bhupendra Patel CM Gujarat
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Approves Rs 489.95 Crore Grant for Construction of 2,055 New Gram Panchayat Houses
Manoj Kumar Mohapatra
IFS Manoj Kumar Mohapatra Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Moldova, Concurrently Serving in Romania
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Showcases State’s Potential During Japan Visit - Details Inside
Pushkar Singh Dhami CM
Uttarakhand Strengthens Power and Housing Infrastructure Ahead of Kumbh 2027 - Details Inside
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
Dharavi Redevelopment: IAS Minds Turning 100-Year-Old Slum into a Modern City | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Bokaro Steel Plant
PESB Selects Priya Ranjan to Head Bokaro Steel Plant, SAIL’s Key Production Unit
REC Limited wins ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC (DNA) Awards
REC Limited Bags ‘Best Design Thinking Award’ at 5th Distinguished NBFC Awards
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-08 at 5.25
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT