Little Free Libraries starts operations in Mysuru

Little Free Libraries, a public book-exchange movement aimed at expanding access to books, have started operating in Mysuru.

The TASK Educational Charitable and Welfare Trust, Mysuru, which has taken the initiative in this regard, said three Little Free Libraries operating on ‘Take a Book, Leave a Book’ principle, were now open across Mysuru.

The Little Free Library comprises a small bookshelf that allows readers to exchange books. While one such library has been opened at the office of TASK Trust, 651, E and F Block, Kuvempunagar in the city, two more have been set up in Gokulam – one at Tina’s Café and another at Books and Brew Library.

A statement from the chairman of the TASK Trust Prof. S.M.M. Haq, who is also a retired professor of Geography and principal of Sarada Vilas College in Mysuru, said the libraries are officially registered with the international Little Free Library, a non-profit organisation based in the United States, placing Mysuru on the global map of more than 20,000 Little Free Libraries in over 100 countries.

TASK Trust said it hosted a gathering on October 24 on its premises in Kuvempunagar to celebrate the launch of Little Free Libraries in Mysuru and the event drew enthusiastic response from people of all ages.

“The Little Free Libraries, operating on the ‘Take a Book, Leave a Book’ principle, have transformed reading into a shared community act – making books accessible beyond formal institutions and encouraging a spirit of trust, learning and togetherness”, said a statement issued by the TASK Trust.

“The library boxes were built with immense enthusiasm by community volunteers and beautifully painted by local independent artists and creators. The launch was made possible through community donations of books and funds, ensuring that the Little Free Libraries remain sustainable and open to everyone - from children and students to women, the elderly, and everyday readers,” said Prof. Haq.

The Little Free Libraries will be looked after by their local stewards. While TASK Trust will take care of the library at their office, Tina and Digangana Mukherjee will look after the libraries at Tina’s Café and Books and Brews Library respectively.

For more information, interested persons can visit www.tasktrust.org/lfl or contact its executive secretary, Omer Haq, at 9449118357.