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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.


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