Author: Daisy D’Souza
Gail Honeyman, the Scottish author rightly quoted, ‘In principle and reality, libraries are life-enhancing palaces of wonder’. Bookworm proves this quote. Bookworm is a library-focused organisation with multiple outreach programs.
Libraries bring to mind the notion of only books, but at Bookworm it’s a different world, particularly for children. I joined Bookworm a month back and would like to share my experience of a library.
On 21st February 2025, an Exposure visit to Vinay & Jean Kalgutkar Community Centre, Saligao was held for the children of the Life skills-Resource room from Lourdes’s Convent High School, Saligao. This wasn’t just any visit; it was a special day for the Life Skills-Resource Room children from Lourdes’s Convent High School, Saligao because it marked their first exposure to the enchanting world of the Saligao Bookworm Library. This visit offered them a unique opportunity to engage with stories, explore their creativity through art, and interact with books in ways they hadn’t experienced before.
Led by Priya Naik, the Bookworm team—Madeeha, Sunita, and myself—crafted a memorable and engaging session for the children.
Nineteen children, accompanied by five caring adults, joined us for this adventure. As they arrived at the library at 10:30 am, they were greeted with warmth and excitement by the Bookworm team.
Priya kicked off the session with a captivating read-aloud of This is not my Hat, a Picture Book by Jon Klassen. The children were all ears, hanging on to every word and eagerly participating in the read aloud conversations. After the story, it was time for some hands-on fun! The children painted hats using vibrant acrylic colors.
Refreshed and recharged, the children dived into a quiet reading session. They explored various books, with the Bookworm team guiding them in selecting and reading. Some were particularly enchanted by the colorful illustrations, immersing themselves in the magical world of stories. Others were drawn to the books featuring different textures that complemented the themes of the stories. The touch-and-feel sensations brought the stories to life, drawing them closer to the books and enriching their reading experience.
We handed out cartridge papers and invited the children to draw whatever inspired them. Some opted out, but those who joined had a blast, filling their pages with bright, cheerful colors. One child meticulously drew a bird inspired by the book’s cover she had read, while another boy attempted to sketch a monkey based on the library book he had chosen. These cover illustrations served as creative sparks for their drawings. Meanwhile, other children explored a vibrant palette of colors, creating a symphony of shades and hues on their papers.
As the session ended, we gathered for a group photograph, capturing the radiant smiles and joy on the children’s faces. The teachers expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bookworm team for organizing such a fulfilling and enriching experience.
For me, this was a first—a journey with children on an exposure visit. It was an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with them and learn from their diverse personalities. The teachers’ deep understanding and management of the children were truly inspiring.
There were two special children who felt uncomfortable with the painting and reading activities. The teachers gently guided them to draw simple designs like waves and fishes on their hats. Since reading wasn’t their preference, the teachers simply stayed by their side, offering companionship and support.
I realized that Bookworm is more than just a library; it’s a place of growth, creativity, and endless possibilities. This experience will certainly guide me in the HBL(Home Based Library) team project, and I’m grateful for every moment spent with these amazing children.
It has reinforced my belief in the profound impact that such initiatives can have on the lives of children, providing them with a nurturing environment to explore, learn, and express themselves.