When we were shifting to our new place in Mala, the children from the Bethesda Life Center, Santa Cruz, were very curious to know as to why we were moving to a new place. When I told them that it was so because this space was bigger, and that this place used to be a school, their curiosities were aroused even more.
From then on we had a constant question during our library class, ‘When will we get to see the new place?’
We were finally able to answer this question on the 12th of November, when we had a children’s visit to the new library from all of our community sites. The excitement of the children when we went to pick them up knew no bounds; all came dressed in their best, and on their best behavior.
We wanted to introduce the children to our new library space collaboratively, enabling a sense of being part of a larger community of Library and books. For the Mala Library experience, we had chosen the theme of ‘Reading’ and we used various activities to immerse the children in this theme. Activities were conducted in different rooms and the children from different sites mingled together to experience them.
Enacting a drama to showcase the importance of reading in everyday life was enjoyed by many of the children. The children were given situations and guidance on how to act out.
Through a short film screening of Biblioburro, they understood how Bookworm is just like a moving library.
For the art and craft activity, the children designed their own clock to mark their reading time.
And finally through a treasure hunt they were able to explore our book collection – the real stars of the library.
At the end of the visit, we had a short feedback session to know how the children felt about coming here, and if they learnt anything new.
Salman said “I had a lot of fun, sir taught us through drama how we can learn and read in a library”.
Abey, “I had fun watching the movie”.
Lucky, “I liked the drawing and making of the clock”.
Prem, “I liked the dancing and got to see some of my favorite books here”.
Sumeeth, “I liked the drawing activity done after the reading of books”.
Mithun, “I was very happy to come here and see the place, I liked the dance, the videos, the treasure hunt and making the clock. Mujhe Accha laga!”.
Uday, “I loved the drama and going through the books”.
The two youngest members Pawan and Mahaveer said they enjoyed the whole experience and it was evident in their cheerful smiles.
Their guardian Ms Aruimei, who had accompanied the children on the visit said, “We learnt so much from the different activities, seeing all the books, and seeing the children experience it all.”
Seeing the children come to the library, recognize some of the books we had taken over to them, their excitement at seeing the collection and in just being in this new space filled with books in every room; it took me back to my own first experience of going to a library and being filled with that sense of wonder.