Library periods in schools are limited to once in a week, quite often leaving no time for students to select a good book. Hence, open library, a place where students can go anytime, read, and spend some meaningful leisurely moments with their friends was introduced in the remote Changzhu Primary School in Samtse.
The Changzhu Primary School in Norgaygang Gewog in Samtse with 133 students, is short of teachers, does not have a librarian, and its library block is a makeshift hut. It was the perfect opportunity for one of the teachers, Yeshi Dendup, to start a project called Circle of Ripples Open Library.
“In a remote school like this, first of all, there are not much library books and even lesser opportunities. That prompted me to think about starting an open library. Children waste their interval and lunch periods, we wanted to engage them even during recess. That is how the idea was born,” Yeshi Dendup said.
Initially, there were concerns that children might steal books from the open library.
“Even if the children take books, there is nothing to lose. It is not like they will eat it and waste it out. If the books are taken home, someday someone will read. Be it their neighbours, or siblings. So, we didn’t mind the books getting stolen,” Yeshi added.
“Right now we have given responsibilities to class three and four children to take care of the books. They take turns to open the library in the morning and put it back inside in the evening,” Chencho Dorji, the School’s Principal, said.
The open library, which started off at Changzhu Primary School, has now reached to 11 schools across five districts.
“With the open library, we get new books. It’s interesting. We can read about places we haven’t been too or read about other cultures. Books can be our guide anywhere. We can learn new knowledge and stories,” Gewa Zangpo, a student, said.
The library books come from donors across the country. The project accepts new and used books but do not accept cash contributions. Volunteers are stationed in several districts to collect books and distribute as and when required.
Sherub Dorji
