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Swan Book on Wheels, a novel initiative, provides library services at the doorstep of readers through their mobile vans. This is the brain child of a long-serving academician and a connoisseur of the fine arts. The idea came into being while reminiscing about reading habits during childhood. Having fond memories of reading books through mobile library services, they decided to replicate the model that gave them immense joy.
The library is run by a mother-daughter team that wishes to develop and inculcate reading habits amongst children. In a bid to decrease reliance on the screens, for recreational purposes, they opine books will be a welcome relief from the digital world. Moreover, they also have senior citizens’ limited mobility in mind.
The advantages are numerous. Apart from offering a library experience within the safe environs of ones neighbourhood, it is a fantastic way to activate readers who have ignored books in favour of movies. This is primarily because of their inability to go to a library keeping the current situation in mind. The library on wheels provided a social service, reaching out to people and building a community of readers. The purpose is to remove barriers, and provide an outreach to as many people as possible, especially senior citizens, who are confined due to health issues, age and struggle with technology.
The founders are planning several activities that will connect the residents socially and culturally. Book readings, theme-based activities and book reviews are some of the forthcoming events that are being planned. The mission is to get back to a world of imagination, and knowledge, thereby giving you a different perspective about life, be it children or the elderly.
The vans will run six days a week on a fixed schedule, serving different residential areas of Bangalore. Residents can avail of the vast array of books and magazines, and can also book their choices through a mobile app. The books cater to all eclectic tastes, and will be regularly updated. The company has tied up with well-known publishers to ensure a ready supply of reading material. One is spoilt for choice with a wide range of English, Kannada and Tamil books and magazines. Due care and consideration have been taken to ensure regular access and ease of using this service. The website and mobile ap will keep the members connected and appraised of new developments.
The founders are very optimistic about their venture and are hopeful that this will serve as a perfect tool to improve one’s reading habits. Like Ma Saraswathi’s vehicle, they aim to provide the beauty and magic of the written word to everyone’s reach.
