In a generation dominated by digital screens and fast-paced content, the simple act of picking up a book is losing its essence. Reading offers a different kind of stillness as it invites you to slow down, immerse yourself in new ideas, and explore uncharted worlds from the comfort of your mind.
“Reading has always been my escape,” says Heet Doshi, a 20-year-old BCom Honours student from GLS University. Om Thakkar, 19, pursuing a BBA at Gujarat University, shares a similar passion, “For me, books have always been windows to new worlds. Each book offers a fresh perspective, shaping how we think and view the world. I want to inspire more people to read, so they too can experience the influence of literature and broaden their horizons.”
Back in 2023, the college students found themselves in a dilemma. While both shared a passion for reading, they struggled to find like-minded people beyond their immediate circle to sit and talk about the best books or authors. This gap sparked an idea in the duo’s minds to create a platform where anyone, regardless of background, could come together and share their love for books.
“We were disappointed by the lack of opportunities to discuss books with others,” recalls Heet. “That’s when we decided to build a space where people could connect, share ideas, and form bonds over their love for books,” he tells The Better India.
Establishing Your Reading Circle: A space for readers in Ahmedabad
Thus, ‘Your Reading Circle’ was born in September 2023, a space for avid readers in Ahmedabad to gather and share books and stories. They conducted events in public places and created a WhatsApp group for all interested readers to create awareness about the importance of reading. As their community grew, another source of inspiration struck the duo, leading to a new idea they were eager to bring to life.
In early 2024, the co-founders came across the concept of mini-libraries in Perumkulam, a village in Kerala, where three public libraries were set up every few hundred metres to make reading accessible. Inspired by this, they thought of replicating the model in Ahmedabad to encourage the city’s reading culture further.
The road to installing their first public mini-library was not smooth, as the young duo was tackling challenges on their own without any guidance or prior experience. “Initially, we didn’t even know where to begin. We had no idea how to get permission to set up libraries in public parks or where to find the right materials for the construction of the boxes. But we were determined to bring the idea to life, so we dedicated a lot of time to researching which officials to approach and how to make it happen,” explains Heet.
Battling challenges to install public mini-libraries
The co-founders began by narrowing down the essentials. “We focused on securing permissions from the local municipality, gathering books, and finding funds,” adds Om. The first library, installed on June 23, 2024, at Parimal Garden, was chosen for a variety of reasons. It was centrally located near colleges, drawing people from all age groups. “We knew that young people, college students, and even senior citizens would visit this park and that would help us get the attention we needed,” he says.
Securing government permission to install the library box took over a month, as they had to coordinate with multiple park management authorities, including three entities in total, to get the approval. “Once the approvals were in place, we began gathering books from the community. Many members of our reading circle generously donated books and we added some from our collection, to kickstart the initiative,” says Heet.
The next challenge was to find skilled fabricators who could make their vision of a mini-library a reality “We had a basic concept and a design, but we needed someone who could replicate it perfectly,” he says. After some research, they found the right fabricators, and the first public mini-library was finally installed in one of the oldest gardens in Ahmedabad.
Spreading the love for books across Ahmedabad
The success of the first library in Parimal Garden motivated the duo, and soon, more parks across Ahmedabad saw the arrival of mini-libraries. “Over the next few months, we installed mini-libraries in four key locations, including Prahladnagar Garden, Law Garden, Gotila Garden, and Monte Carlo Oxygen Park. These public mini-libraries are free and accessible to all, creating spaces where everyone can come and engage in the world of books,” says Om.
The libraries have become more than just places to borrow books, they have turned into hubs for conversation, learning, and community-building. “When we first had the idea of creating mini-libraries, we had no clear vision of how the community would respond,” reflects Heet. “But the support we receive every day is heartwarming. People not only visit the libraries but also actively help maintain them by rearranging the books or dusting once in a while.”
As the number of libraries expanded, the co-founders realised the need for upkeep and regular maintenance. To manage this, a dedicated group of about 10 volunteers works with them. “Each library has two volunteers who live nearby, ensuring they can visit regularly to maintain them,” explains Heet. They keep track of which books are available and how many have been rotated.
“We maintain a spreadsheet to monitor the number of books in each library and the frequency of their rotation,” he adds. Each library is stocked with around 25 books, and when they get reduced, it’s replenished through donations or contributions from their personal collections. “The beauty of this initiative is how the community steps in to keep the libraries running smoothly,” says Om.
Tanisha Patel, the library coordinator at ‘Your Reading Circle’ shares, “When I was offered this role, I was told to interact with people from all walks of life, across different age groups and backgrounds, and share the importance of reading books. I have always been a reader, but over time, the demands of studies and the pressure of academic success led me to put my love for books on hold.”
She continues, “In the beginning, I hesitated to take up the role, unsure whether I could keep up with the meet-ups or if I would be able to reignite my reading habit. But I joined anyway. Soon, I found myself surrounded by like-minded readers from across Ahmedabad and I was a bibliophile once again. I enjoy working with my friends and maintaining the libraries as it gives a break from my mundane routine.”
Heartfelt memory behind one mini-library
One of the personal stories that Heet can’t forget involves Parth Jala, a dear friend of his, who sponsored the mini-library at Law Garden. “Parth shared a deeply emotional memory of his late grandmother during the inauguration of the mini-library. Though she never had the chance to learn to read, she would sit beside him, always curious to know about the books he was reading, and he would summarise the stories for her. In honour of her, Parth chose to fund the mini-library, ensuring that others could access the books and knowledge she never had,” says Heet, his voice filled with emotion.
The co-founders have noticed that the libraries are playing an important role in promoting the reading culture in parks and gardens. “People who previously spent their time glued to their phones are now picking up books and reading in the parks. When I visit the park now, I see at least 15-20 people near the libraries, browsing the books and engaging in discussions,” Heet observes.
The libraries have even caught the attention of people outside Ahmedabad. “Individuals from across India, as well as from places like Australia, Canada, and the US, have reached out to express their appreciation for the initiative,” he adds.
Akhil, a 21-year-old student says, “My visits to parks took on an entirely new meaning after the mini libraries were installed. I have always enjoyed meeting people in natural spaces like gardens and parks, but waiting for them to arrive used to feel rather dull. I would typically pass the time scrolling through social media. However, since the libraries were set up, I have developed the habit of picking up a book to read while waiting. This has not only increased my interest in reading, but now, I find I am never bored waiting for anyone anymore.”
Public support and connecting with fellow groups
Looking forward, the duo plans to expand their initiative even further. “We want to reach more remote areas, including villages, and establish larger libraries in schools,” says Heet. In the near future, the team aims to build seven more mini-libraries in popular spots around Ahmedabad, including Kankaria Lake, the city’s largest lake. “We have covered the most prominent gardens, and now we are looking at other public areas to reach more people,” adds Om.
Through Your Reading Circle and the mini-libraries, the young founders have made an impact on over 2,000 people. The free, public mini-libraries have inspired more than 1,000 individuals to rediscover the joy of reading and exploring new books.
Om and Heet are working hard to ensure that the libraries remain stocked with books, and they rely on donations from individuals and groups to keep the libraries running smoothly. “We never charge for books,” says Heet. “We only ask for funds to help with the construction of the libraries and people donate books to us.”
“We have received support from a range of sources, including groups like Bookitup and Keetabikeeda, who donate books to keep the libraries well-stocked. When people donate, we make sure to acknowledge them and show our appreciation by sharing on social media,” he adds.
“Famous personalities like RJ Dhvanit and Sanjay Raval have shown their support for us. We are also grateful to Sanjeev Bhatia, a talented writer, who generously donated around 20 books to help us expand our collection,” he says.
“As we walk into a park and see people engrossed in a book or exploring our collection, it feels like a victory. This motivates us to keep going, with a vision to expand our mini-libraries to other parts of Gujarat,” both Heet and Om share.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury; All pictures courtesy Heet Doshi
