Everyone feels empowered when access to a meaningful or relevant book is not limited by time, space or privilege. Inspired by this belief, a man has started a “free-use little library” in the heart of the capital. Using a repurposed piece of furniture, he has set up a small roadside bookshelf, offering free books for anyone to borrow and enjoy.
The idea for the library came from a conversation between the initiator’s wife and one of her young students. When his wife encouraged the child to read more books at home, the student admitted that he didn’t have any books.
Moved by this, the man along with his wife decided to set up a small public library at Changangkha’s local pavement three months ago.
“When we had to move our house, we discovered quite a number of books lying around. It struck me that on one side, there are children who do not have access to books, while on the other hand, I had all these books piled up in a corner. So, I thought, why not make them accessible to children in need? That’s how the idea came about,” said Karma Jurmi, the initiator.
The mini library is filled with donated books and anyone is welcome to borrow one and return it when they are done. This provides a convenient and accessible way to enjoy books.
The initiative not only promotes reading but also highlights the value of reusing and repurposing materials.
“It’s one of the best reading progress for all the students, especially the student walking on this side walk and if you feel bored, there is a proper resting bench where anyone can read the book of their choice while resting,” said Mepham Yoezer Dolma, a student at Motithang Higher Secondary School.
“At school, we do have a library, and we love reading books. However, the bookshelf here on the pavement does not have a time frame for when to return the books. The books available are quite interesting though. It would be even more interesting if there were more Dzongkha books,” said Phuntsho Wangmo, a student at Jigme Namgyal Lower Secondary School.
The initiator is open to expanding the initiative if a caretaker is found to manage the bookshelf at various locations in Thimphu.
“After having done this for about three months now, just putting this infrastructure in some other place is not going to be sustainable, unless someone from that locality takes the ownership and takes the responsibility of maintaining it.”
He is also planning to renovate the mini library in the future and is inviting residents to donate any books they no longer need to inspire readers and expand access to books.
Dechen Choden
Edited by Sonam Pem
