In public parks across Gujarat, a quiet movement is encouraging citizens to put down their smartphones and pick up paperbacks. What began in June 2024 as a single mini-library at Parimal Garden in Ahmedabad has expanded into a network of free, open-access park libraries spanning Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Founded by friends Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar, this initiative operates on a simple principle: no membership cards, no late fines, and no security monitors. Readers borrow, read, return, or donate books entirely on an honor system.
The Genesis: From Kerala’s Book Village to Ahmedabad’s Gardens
The idea took root after Heet and Om created ‘Your Reading Circle’ in September 2023 to bring together local book enthusiasts. Inspired by a social media video highlighting Perumkulam—India’s famous book village in Kerala where mini-libraries line the streets—the duo questioned why a similar framework couldn’t work in urban public gardens.
Why Target Public Parks?
- Pace of Environment: Parks are spaces where people naturally slow down, unwind, and sit outdoors.
- Screen-Free Alternative: The initiative provides a physical alternative for visitors who spend long stretches scrolling on smartphones during morning or evening walks.
- Diverse Demographics: Parks attract readers across all age groups—from children ending play sessions to senior citizens taking evening strolls.
Key Milestones & Growth
From overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to official non-profit registration, the initiative has steadily expanded across municipal spaces:
| Phase | Milestone / Action |
| Sept 2023 | Launched Your Reading Circle to connect local readers. |
| April 2024 | Began navigating municipal permissions with garden department officials. |
| June 23, 2024 | Inaugurated the first weather-proof mini-library at Parimal Garden, Ahmedabad. |
| March 2026 | Formally registered as an NGO under the Virakt Foundation. |
| Current Reach | 13 mini-libraries operating across Ahmedabad and Vadodara, stocking 25–30 books each. |
Blueprint: How to Replicate Park Libraries in Your City
Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar frequently receive inquiries from across India on replicating their model. Based on their experience, here is their four-step blueprint for setting up community park libraries:
1. Prioritize Municipal Approvals First
Do not invest in fabrication before securing formal permission. Prepare a brief, professional proposal detailing:
- Structural dimensions and safety features of the bookshelf.
- A clear commitment that the library requires zero municipal funding or operational oversight.
- The specific public garden or park authority targeted for placement.
2. Engage Existing Reading Communities
Build a network of core book lovers before launching physical infrastructure. Early supporters act as local stewards, donating initial book inventory and monitoring the shelves for maintenance or replenishment.
3. Build Simple, Weather-Proof Shelves
Design cabinets featuring transparent, water-resistant doors that hold roughly 25 to 30 books. Keep the design simple, accessible, and visible from main park pathways.
4. Leverage Local Voice & Influencer Outreach
Partner with local creators, community figures, and radio personalities to raise public awareness. Public endorsement builds civic responsibility, encouraging visitors to respect the trust-based model.
Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar’s story demonstrates that civic engagement does not require grand budgets—just consistent action, patience with administrative processes, and trust in the community. By turning public parks into open-air reading hubs, their model offers a simple, scalable template for cities across India.
