Page 19 - Mann Ki Baat

NGURANG MEENA

Once, during the Covid-19 lockdown, Meena A while later -
was talking to her friend, Dewang Hosai.

Dewang, do you Yes, what
This is the right remember the mini about it?
time to get children wayside library we
to read more. I wish saw in Aizawl*?
there was some way to
get books to them but
there are no libraries
in our town.

That’s a great
idea, Dewang. But
what can we do in
this situation?

Thus began the idea of setting up self-help libraries.
What if we build
street libraries like That’s What’s Looks like a
those, here? People brilliant! that? little bookshelf.
can take books home Why is it on the side
and return them in of the street?
two weeks.
Can we
please go
look at it?

by the end of the lockdown, the library became a huge hit among the people.
It is so nice to
see our children
gather around The collection
and read! is so nice, these
books can be
read by people
of any age.

The library had no fee or subscription. People were expected
to return the books within two weeks of borrowing.
*Capital of Mizoram, the most literate city in India