The Expansion of Public Garden Libraries in Mumbai: A Step Towards Promoting Reading Culture
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently announced its plans to set up 15 new public garden libraries in Mumbai in 2021. This initiative aims to expand the reading culture in the city and provide residents with easy access to books in public spaces. By introducing these libraries in 100 municipal parks, the BMC hopes to encourage more people to engage in reading and learning.
This innovative project builds upon the success of previous initiatives undertaken by the BMC to promote literacy and education. In 2022, the municipal corporation launched a pilot program to establish libraries in public parks across Mumbai. The Parks Department of the BMC collaborated with various organizations to bring this initiative to life, resulting in the creation of over 20 public libraries in neighborhoods such as Colaba, Dadar, Matunga, Kandivali, and others.
One of the key partners in this endeavor is Project Mumbai, a non-profit organization dedicated to driving positive change in the city. Project Mumbai has been instrumental in setting up libraries in areas like Jogeshwari, Malad, Bandra, Ghatkopar, Mulund, and Santacruz. The organization’s founder and CEO, Shishir Joshi, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the project, stating, “The concept behind this is to get people involved as much as possible and inculcate the idea of giving away books to citizens.”
Empowering Citizens Through Reading Mumbai
Through its Reading Mumbai initiative, Project Mumbai aims not only to make reading and books more accessible but also to foster a culture of generosity and kindness among citizens through book donations. Val, the Book Initiative Officer at Project Mumbai, highlighted the impact of the program, stating, “When donors see that people are reading the books they donated, they feel a sense of accomplishment from philanthropy.”
In addition to setting up libraries in public parks, Project Mumbai has also established a toy and book library with around 1,000 books in various languages at Arthur Road and Byculla Jail. Building on this success, the organization plans to expand its reach by setting up 15 new garden community libraries in different parts of the city by the end of this year.
The expansion of public garden libraries in Mumbai not only provides residents with access to reading materials but also serves as a platform for community engagement and social impact. By creating spaces where individuals can come together to read, learn, and share knowledge, these libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy and fostering a sense of belonging among citizens.
Building a Culture of Reading and Generosity
The establishment of public garden libraries in Mumbai represents a significant step towards building a culture of reading and generosity in the city. By making books freely available in public spaces, the BMC and organizations like Project Mumbai are enabling residents from all walks of life to access educational resources and expand their knowledge.
Moreover, the act of donating books to these libraries not only benefits the recipients but also provides donors with a sense of fulfillment and connection to their community. As Shishir Joshi aptly puts it, “Through Reading Mumbai, we are not only trying to make reading and books accessible, but we are also trying to instill a sense of kindness among citizens through donations.”
The impact of these public garden libraries extends beyond providing reading materials; they serve as hubs for community interaction, learning, and personal growth. By creating a welcoming environment where individuals can come together to share stories, ideas, and experiences, these libraries contribute to the social fabric of Mumbai and promote a sense of unity and camaraderie among its residents.
In conclusion, the expansion of public garden libraries in Mumbai signifies a commitment to promoting literacy, education, and community engagement. By creating spaces where individuals can connect through the shared love of reading, these libraries play a vital role in enriching the cultural landscape of the city and fostering a sense of belonging among its diverse population.