Sujata Noronha
If a library is for all, how does one design such a library and practice inclusion? Here are a few instances.
Category: Library as place & space
Library as a place
Usha Mukunda
We all know that a library is a place that connects books and people. But this relationship also means that a library can change people and people too can change libraries. The value of the place and the values it conveys in myriad ways is the core of a library.
Corners and centres: those spaces within
Yashodara Kundaji
A library is a place to just be. One can create smaller places within the library by mindfully arranging furniture, and earmarking comfortable corners and centres. From places for large interactions to smaller nooks and corners for children to either read or reflect, dream or catch up on short naps, spaces can be created. Here is a check-list on how to organize places within a library.
What it means to me: readerspeak
Keerthi Mukunda
When senior and middle school children air their views on what excites them about a library, it is worth listening. They echo feelings that are spontaneous, heartfelt and genuine. The descriptions range from ‘a feeling of home’, ‘a range of books’, ‘magical place’, ‘so versatile’ and so many more. Read on to enjoy.
What makes a library collection?
Anandita Rao and Nayan Mehrotra
When we talk of a library having a good collection of books, what exactly do we mean? What is the basis on which we decide to engage or not engage with a collection of books? What goes into planning a collection of books for a library? This articles delves into these issues.
Where stories find a life
Baidehi Sengupta
A teacher goes down memory lane and gets nostalgic about how stories used to pop up in every corner of the locality in which she lived and how the main community library was the place that hosted most of these tales.
Making collections speak to everyone
Kuheli Sarkar
How does one curate a collection of narratives that speak to and for the marginalized? Children need a collection of stories that will help them identify their community narratives and tales in the words and pictures of a story book. Here is a glimpse into how this can be done.
Bringing new readers in: the jhola library
Divya Jyoti Tirkey and Mamura Khan
Gone are the days when a library was seen as a space in a room or in a building where books were kept locked in cupboards with access to only members. Now libraries are places where more children visit, activities happen around and beyond books and all have access and read for joy. The jhola library is about all this and more, the first step being to build a culture of inclusion where everyone had access to books.
The care-work that books can do
Keith D’Souza
Have you heard of a library that is meant for children in a hospital? Children in this hospital are encouraged to borrow books at any time, read and return. Both in-patients and out-patients too have access to the books and even toys. What a nice way to cheer up children!