In the quaint village of Bansa, nestled in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, a community library has become the heart of both children and adults. Among its avid readers is 13-year-old Maya Devi, who aspires to become a police officer to eradicate social ills from her village. Her frequent visits to the library are a testament to its impact on the local community.
Maya, a member of the marginalized community, refuses to be confined by stereotypes. “Education is our right. Everyone should be given the chance to learn,” she asserts. Not only does she challenge such societal norms, but she also speaks out against the dowry system, advocating for change.
A Library Beyond Boundaries
Established in December 2020, this community library is open to everyone irrespective of age, gender, caste, or class. Situated within the village premises, it has gathered 1,700 registered members from neighboring villages, including both adults and children, who eagerly borrow around 200 to 300 books each month.
A Youth’s Vision and Transformation
Jatin Lalit Singh, a 25-year-old visionary, initiated this unique library after being inspired by The Community Library Project (TCLP) in Delhi. This endeavor aimed to create a space for people to read and engage in discussions. Singh’s vision gradually led to increased awareness about laws, rights, and rural development initiatives within the community.
A Stepping Stone for Change
The path to establishing the library wasn’t straightforward. Singh faced challenges, including concerns about gender dynamics and community involvement. However, with time, these issues have subsided, as the library’s impact and purpose became evident.
Empowering Individuals and Community
The library’s influence is demonstrated through the stories of individuals like Shivangi Sharma, who used the library’s resources to prepare for competitive exams. Without this library, accessing such materials would have required traveling to larger cities. The library’s librarians play a significant role in its success, fostering a sense of belonging among the members.
Transforming Lives, One Book at a Time
As the library continues to thrive, children like eight-year-old Shashi Sharma are experiencing a world of stories previously unknown to them. Jatin Singh’s dual goals of creating a reading environment and assisting students in competitive exam preparation are becoming reality.
Conclusion
Bansa’s Community Library has emerged as a catalyst for change in the lives of its patrons. Through its doors, an entire community is gaining access to knowledge, challenging societal norms, and embracing empowerment. With each page turned, a new chapter of progress is written, proving that libraries are not just repositories of books, but also agents of transformation.
