Bansa Community Library & Resource Centre: A Sanctuary of Knowledge that is Deserving of Everyone by D Suiam

 

It all began in 2020 when the world appeared to relinquish its yearning. But from the ash of misery, a flicker of solidity arises. Jatin and Malvika, driven by their passion for making a difference, took the initiative to establish the library, home to hundreds of students from 36 neighbouring villages around Bansa of Hardoi. To contribute to the community, and to provide equal education and opportunity to all young minds in the area, Bansa Community Library & Resource Centre was brought into existence.

Jatin is a lawyer and passionate about creating an impact in society. As an avid reader, he utilizes his free time to selflessly volunteer at a community library in Delhi. As a result of the pandemic's onset, he found himself confined to the four walls of his room. However, he refused to let this situation be a waste of time and instead took the initiative to establish the Bansa Community Library & Resource Centre, aiming to support the students' growth and development.

At the commencement of something spectacular, there is an occurrence that we cannot predict until it occurs. Although society backed the notion, they encountered challenges in embracing it. This town's caste system and culture make it difficult for the library to hold its foundation. 

 Jatin explains, “During the early stage of the library, there were people who came and narrowed us down, that the library will only bring conflict to the society. Due to the social caste system, children from the higher caste will not be allowed to come here, while the lower caste faces discrimination from those of higher. But with this hierarchical system and the persistence of such mindsets among people, we aim to raise awareness that everyone is equal and deserving of educational opportunities, and our purpose is to challenge and transform those ideas into an inclusive society.” 

In the face of severe challenges and after meticulous consideration of all the factors influencing the library's sustainability, Jatin and Malvika made the deliberate decision to undertake measures aimed at creating opportunities for those children. 

Despite taking every precautionary measure, the COVID-19 pandemic resurfaced, unleashing a wave that engulfed nearly everything the library had achieved. However, instead of abandoning the ideas, Jatin and his team devised a solution by transforming the library into a community help center, providing support until the second wave of COVID-19 subsided. 

Covid had made it difficult for the Bansa Community Library to function and their hope to rebuild their ambition almost perished. They stumbled upon something that altered the trajectory of their actions and fundamentally redefined the purpose behind their very existence. The readers have been the pillars of support for Jatin and rendered assistance when needed. At that juncture, the founders come to the realization that there is no longer any room for retreat; their only path is to ascend toward the summit of the mountain where their readers reside.

The Bansa Community Library has engaged in a free library network since TCLP's inception. Its growing prominence within the Free Library Network is evident after formal community integration. Jatin's appointment as General Secretary underscores his commitment to accessible knowledge and literature, strengthening the mission for all. The upcoming initiative involves the establishment of a computer lab with 30 computers within the library premises. This step is driven by the fact that a significant portion of the library's visitors are individuals preparing for government exams that necessitate computer literacy, including computer diplomas and CCC certification. To enhance digital literacy, they are also offering training sessions for both young and adult members of the community. This is just a glimpse of their multifaceted plans. As they expand the outreach to additional villages, their aim remains unwavering: to continue spreading awareness about their mission and services. The library has a vast membership of 1700 individuals, with 400 of them aspiring to write government competitive examinations.

A delightful conversation with Jatin about Bansa Community Library revealed his holistic thought and his dedication to bringing about change through knowledge. Jatin revealed lesser-known facts about Bansa Library in a freewheeling tête-à-tête, below is a glimpse of that.

What is the significance of the “fundraising book sale" concept?

This is a book sale fundraiser held in Delhi since 2020. Originally intended as a book donation to the library by local supporters, we encountered shipping issues and discovered that many books weren't directly valuable. Now, we gather these donated English books and sell them at affordable prices. The proceeds allow us to purchase community-relevant books. We've successfully hosted two fundraising events, receiving fantastic responses from attendees.

 From where do you get the books that make up this knowledge-filled library?

These books are generously donated by library supporters and patrons residing in Delhi.

 You follow the concept of "open shelves, open minds". Can we know a little bit about this?

The concept of open shelves transforms the library's ambiance, departing from traditional setups. In the past, governmental or institutional libraries featured closed-off card systems and locked cabinets, hindering reader access. This design acted as a symbol of separation between readers and books. Open shelves, on the other hand, foster a welcoming atmosphere, enabling anyone to effortlessly select their desired book. For instance, a young reader who struggles with heavy shelves might hesitate to seek assistance and end up empty-handed. In contrast, open shelves eliminate barriers, granting the freedom to choose books without constraints.

Do you organize workshops for the learners and how?

We have hosted numerous workshops previously, including foundational literacy sessions where library volunteers instruct others in teaching reading and writing to those in lower age groups. We also organized a poetry writing workshop and an art and craft workshop, and most of these workshops were organized offline. Nonetheless, specific workshops necessitate an online format, mainly when our expert presenter is unable to attend in person. For instance, we conducted an online poetry workshop led by a member of Cambridge University, England, due to their geographical distance.

What is the age group of the learners?

Our membership spans a wide age range, encompassing individuals as young as three years old and as mature as seventy-six. The predominant age demographic falls between six and twenty-five, with additional participation from adults ranging from their thirties to forties.

 I've seen your 'read-aloud' activity on Instagram. Please can you tell me a little about that?

Reading aloud stands as a skillful and cherished pursuit, a delightful endeavor that fosters a strong bond. Within this activity, a member takes on the role of narrator, sharing a book's contents with fellow members who may either lack reading ability or choose not to engage in reading. This communal practice serves as a conduit, enhancing comprehension of the narrative and nurturing intellectual growth. At Bansa, this activity takes center stage as a core daily practice.

Is there 100% attendance? Are there dropouts? If yes, then what are the usual reasons?

There is no attendance system at Basa. The library has a daily visit of 70 to 80 members, but dropouts are routine. Some attendees are consistent for a week, then absent for a month. To understand this situation, we have our librarian connected with them to take feedback on the reason for their absence, we have a community meeting to discuss the event on why the people could come and how to make the library more open to everyone. This approach reveals that many miss visits due to exams, farming seasons, and home responsibilities.

What initiatives are taken to keep the participant from continuing to come?

Sustaining member engagement within the library holds significant importance. To achieve this, we've structured the week with diverse activities beyond reading. Thursdays feature game days, and Saturdays offer dance classes, music lessons, and online academic, and computer training also enriching the schedule. These ongoing initiatives encourage consistent visits. Additionally, occasional movie screenings and refreshment events, like potluck sessions, provide enjoyable breaks. This proactive approach ensures ongoing reader participation. We actively seek member input, such as when kids request a boxing bag for learning, prompting us to cater to their interests. Regular feedback guides us in providing relevant offerings aligned with members' preferences and needs.

To conclude in Jatin’s words, “We received Suggestions from readers to have the books posted to their address, while others requested the option of picking it up. Considering the COVID-19 situation, we prioritized the safety measures and decided to bring the library to our readers' homes instead of having them visit us. However, what truly fuels our hope and passion is witnessing the dedication of a reader who finds a way to reach us despite facing various challenges. At that moment we recalled the essence of the library and the very reason we started it in the first place."

What can one to support Bansa?

Here's one way: Amazon Wishlist. Click the link to add the books and send it to the Library when you order your books next time. 

Bansa Library Website: Link | Instagram page link