For the love of books

When Arko Dutta, a fourth grader, was returning from school with his mother, he noticed a library near Dr Khastagir Government Girls' High School in Chattogram's Jamal Khan intersection.

He stopped to scroll through the pages of different books, which were on display at the footpath library, set beside a passenger shed.

Noticing his enthusiasm, his mother asked the library man about the rules for borrowing books.

This is how the library, which was inaugurated last Friday, is cultivating a love for reading books in kids, and young people in general.

The  Sheikh Russell Smriti Pathagar library has over a hundred books on  different categories, including novel, poetry, science, autobiography, political essay and literature, said Shaibal Das Suman, ward-21 councillor, the chief patron of the library.

He said he took this initiative so that people, specially the youth, could be interested in reading books.

"There are a number of schools and educational institutions in Jamal Khan area and guardians often allege that their children are getting dependent on electronic gazette," he said.

"I wanted to set an example for others to follow. If libraries are set up in all the 40 wards, we will get thousands of new readers in the city," said Suman.

Monifa Sultana, a tenth grader, was returning from school with her three friends. They were also seen talking to the library man asking about the formalities of membership.

Hailing the initiative, Monfia said she felt interested to be a member of the library as the rules for borrowing books are simple.

Just like Monia and her friends, many students were seen flocking to the library while returning home from school.

Gokul Nandi, the library man, told The Daily Star that anyone can be a member of the library by paying Tk 100 as registration fee.

"A member has to  pay Tk 20 per month and  can borrow one book a week," said Gokul, adding, the library remains open between 10:00am - 2:00 pm and between 4:00pm and 9:00pm.

Guardians were also all in for such initiatives.

"The habit of reading books  is almost non-existent among our children now-a-days," said Anupam Barua, a resident of Jamal Khan area.

"Setting up such libraries is a positive initiative in such circumstances," he added.