Author: Phunchokla Bhutia
Some experiences leave a deep mark on our hearts, changing how we think and feel. Attending the four-day Library Mentoring and Support (LMS) workshop at Bookworm Library in Goa was one such experience for me. As a representative of DG Reading Room Resource and Education Foundation, a community library situated in Dumigaon, Assangthang, Namchi, Sikkim, dedicated to providing a creative space for children to read, paint, and play, I was eager to learn new ways to engage our young audience. Everything was new-the place, the people, and the atmosphere, but from the moment I arrived, the Bookworm team made me feel welcome. It felt like joining a new family, where learning was joyful and fun.
The workshop was well-organized, with every activity carefully planned to make sure we learned while also enjoying ourselves. I took part in a range of engaging activities aimed at capturing children’s interest. We didn’t just discuss ways to engage children; we became children ourselves, learning through play, curiosity, and interaction. This hands-on experience gave me new ideas on how to make library sessions lively and exciting.
One thing that truly stood out to me was the Bookworm team’s dedication to their collection. They treat every book with love and care, covering each one to protect it from damage. I was fascinated by the “book hospital” concept, where children learn to identify and fix “unwell” books. This not only teaches respect for books but also gives children a sense of pride and ownership. Inspired by this, we set up our own book hospital. Watching children diagnose and repair books has been heartwarming and has taught them to care for what they read.
Another valuable lesson was how to make libraries more inviting. By displaying books with their covers facing out, children’s curiosity is naturally piqued. We added display shelves to our library, and it made a huge difference. Now, children rush to see what new books are showcased and eagerly pick them up.
Before LMS, library sessions in our space felt like regular classroom lessons. The children often seemed uninterested. Thanks to the LMS activities, I learned how to make sessions more engaging and playful. Now, the children look forward to every library session with excitement. It is amazing to see their eyes light up in anticipation. I feel proud to be a part of their learning journey and help make reading an enjoyable experience.
The workshop also taught me about the power of teamwork. Creating a warm, inviting library space and managing events is not a solo job. It requires a team that supports each other and works together to bring ideas to life.
As a librarian at DG Reading Room, my main focus was initially on routine tasks like stamping, labeling, cataloging, and shelving books. I thought my job was only about keeping things organized. Teachers led activities with the children, while I stayed in the background. The LMS workshop changed my perspective. I realized that a librarian’s role goes beyond managing books- it is about connecting with children and making the library a space they love. I started leading sessions myself. At first, I was nervous, but over time, I gained confidence. Now I genuinely look forward to these sessions, building bonds with the children and learning from them just as they learn from me. It has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
This workshop made my work more enjoyable. I have learned to balance many tasks, communicate better with children, plan and organize events more effectively. I have even fallen in love with reading-a passion I didn’t always have. Libraries have always been places of quiet beauty to me, but now I appreciate their power to transform lives, open new worlds, and forge meaningful connections.
One particularly moving moment from the workshop involved reading a library themed book as part of a “reading journey template” activity. I chose “Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind” by Cynthia Grady. The story tells of a librarian who maintained a bond with children displaced by war, exchanging letters and gifts that bridged the distance. This story, like the workshop itself, reminded me of the profound and lasting impact libraries and librarians can have on children’s lives, through empathy, compassion, and the magic of books.
Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to be participating in the LMS program. It is transforming our library and helped me grow as a person. I am more confident, passionate about reading, and excited to create experiences that inspire and connect with children. This journey of growth, joy, and transformation is one I will always treasure