by Rigzin Lhamo
My perspective of Goa was limited to images of sun-soaked beaches and sizzling nightlife. It was firmly rooted in this outdated vision until I had the chance to attend the “Introduction to Libraries” workshop at Bookworm, this July. Little did I know that this trip would reshape my view of Goa but also revolutionise my understanding of what a library can be.
Recently, I joined Manjushri Educational Services (MES) as a Library Educator. It’s a non-profit organisation that promotes early childhood care and education. My role includes letting children and adults use MES library to foster reading and love for books.
On my way to Bookworm, a short walk from Ria Hotel, I was greeted by an enriching environment accompanied by monsoon rains in Goa. My initial nerves quickly dissipated as soon as I crossed the threshold of the Bookworm library. The sight of fellow participants deeply engrossed in books assured me that I was at the right place.
The Bookworm team welcomed us with warm smiles and seashell necklaces, setting a friendly and inviting tone for the workshop. What struck me most about Bookworm was its vibrancy and organisation. The library walls were adorned with colourful art work created by children and beautiful stitched pieces crafted by the team. The books were meticulously arranged, beckoning me to explore each shelf and discover something new.
Over the course of six days, the workshop opened my eyes to the multifaceted role a library can play. The Bookworm team expertly blended learning with fun, incorporating games, reading activities, and even stitching into our sessions. We engaged in Read Aloud, Book Talks, Character Alive, Browsing Games and learned how to curate a wonderful collection of books. Each activity offered a fresh perspective on the library’s potential.
One particularly enlightening moment was the session on Read Aloud. Through this I gained valuable insights into how to make stories come alive by introducing diverse books to readers. The highlight of the workshop was undoubtedly the visit to a special school where we got a chance to observe a library session and how a library educator captivates and inspires young readers through Read Aloud and various engagements thereby giving them a space where learning and imagination flourishes.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the Library Mela visit. The brainstorming for activity, planning, execution of it and facilitating “Book Bingo” with children, was an unforgettable experience. To witness children having fun with us was a different experience altogether.
After the workshop, there is a change in my perception of what a library is. Now, it’s a community space where both children and adults actively participate in storytelling, reading aloud, engaging in visual arts and finding books in both, Tibetan and English.
My key takeaway from the workshop includes understanding the space of the library and its role in a community. As a library educator, I now understand the importance of creating a library which is vibrant and accessible to everyone. This means curating a diverse collection of books and using the library to foster love for reading, through different engaging activities.
Library is a valuable resource that enables lifelong learning. I would like to make library cards with children to keep records of what books they have been reading. I would also like to do various art and craft activities with children and adults, if possible, in libraries in and around the neighbourhood. I want our library members to see the library as a space where joyful learning happens.