Kathmandu:

How about getting informative materials to read for free while you are waiting for your friends or relaxing over a cup of tea in a public place? Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

With an intention to offer reading materials to people from all strata of life for free in public places and to help bring about a positive change in society, Sangya, an organisation has started a street library in Baghbazar.

“Since Baghbazar is the place where most people from inside and outside the Kathmandu Valley usually come, we thought this library might interest them to read

as they pass by or while relaxing nearby for a cup of tea or some food,” explained Usha Titichyu, president of Sangya, on its inaugural day on January 20. “We have already had some people, even carpenters, coming to us and showing their interest to read.”

Starting from this one library, they hope to run similar libraries in other busy public places in the Valley.

The library also has a participation of people living with HIV, victims of women trafficking, visually impaired, sexual and gender minorities, and street vendor’s children.

“These people will act as volunteers to run the library and we will help — through our network of volunteers — supplement their needs, like teaching them how to read and write, journalism, how to have critical thinking, history, or whatever that will help them in their career or life,” said Titichyu. The place offers books on politics, law and religion, and also has books for children.

Also, they plan to organise various creative events like music concerts, art and photo exhibitions, and screening of films once in every two weeks at the venue, for people from all sectors. Looking at the response, they plan to open such libraries-in-cart at other busy public places as well. “We are in need of more volunteers to help us in their capacity to help underprivileged volunteers at the place,” Titichyu added.

“I am feeling nice,” shared a shy Roji Thapa, a 13-year-old daughter of a woman vendor, who is looking after the place with others. She grew up in the same public place with her mother since she was six-months old. But when asked if she was only helping others and not reading herself, she innocently responded, “No, I am also reading.”