The musty smell of old books, the comforting feel of binding, the fluttering sound of pages is just music to the soul. Call me old school, but I will always prefer the embrace of a hard copy of a book rather than a pdf version of it. Reading books is a sensory experience. You see the colourful and creative binding, flip each page, inhale that unmistakable fragrance and get lost in a whole new world of experiences, page by page. If that’s the power of books, imagine what it could do if every individual can afford and get access to it easily. Well, Mizoram’s capital city, Aizawl did just that. The city now has a mini roadside library where people can read books for free.
Charming Wooden Shelves On The Sides Of The Street
A mini roadside library was set up in Mizoram Aizawl as a movement to promote reading. Charming little wooden shelves, racks filled with books were installed on the sides of the streets. This is the first Aizawl’s first-ever roadside library that is easily accessible, affordable and totally inspirational.
Also Read: Pune Now Has A 24/7 Open Library In Kothrud Set Up By Students
Pedestrians can contribute their own books, take some or even read them standing on the footpath. This concept of opening free libraries on the roadside is touted to be a progressive move. It’s a refreshing idea and has the power to cultivate the habit and hobby of reading amongst people of all age groups. Did you know Jagah.co Has 2000 Books, Student Prices, A Co-working Space And A Dream?
The Internet Loved The Initiative
Parveen Kaswam, an IFC officer put out of a post stating that this is what every city must copy from Mizoram’s Aizawl. His post further stated that libraries are the best investment for nation-building and North East is showing the way.
Now this is what every city must copy. #Mizoram's capital #Aizawl has a couple of these tiny roadside libraries. Libraries are the best investment for nation building. North East showing the way. Via @asomputra pic.twitter.com/mFmFspuSyg
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) February 24, 2020
The pictures and news of these mini roadside libraries in Mizoram is taking the internet by storm. Many people are lauding this initiative and this will surely have a deep impact on the lives of the people in the state. We hope that the idea of mini-libraries is adopted by many other states in our country. After all, as American essayist, Henry David Thoreau quotes, ‘Books are the treasured wealth of the world’.
First Published: February 26, 2020 2:30 PM