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