Free access for all ages promotes literacy and cultural engagement

The Lions Club of Navi Mumbai Kharghar Shakti has launched a major community development initiative with the opening of the first free community library at Kharghar Garden, Sector 7. Officially inaugurated on Saturday, the gazebo-shaped library offers residents of all age groups free access to a diverse collection of books, educational resources, and community programs, fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. 

Vijay Ganatra, the chief guest, and club president Bhawana Gupta presided over the inauguration, which featured engaging activities such as a dance workshop, magic show, group discussions, and games for children. Designed to be inclusive, the library aims to serve children, adults, and senior citizens alike. It offers a multilingual collection with books in Marathi, English, and Hindi, spanning genres such as fiction, non-fiction, self-help, and educational materials. 

Bhawana Gupta expressed her joy at seeing her long-held dream come true, recalling her initial attempt to establish a library in 2016. “Seeing the dream picture coming to life is beyond words!” she remarked, attributing the success to the support of the community and assistance from the local Nagar Sevak, who provided the space. She encouraged the public to visit, stating, “The library is open from 8:30 am to 9:30 am in the morning and from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the evening. With more members, we hope to extend the hours and expand to more locations.” 

The Lions Club’s vision is to unite the community through education and shared learning. Shilpi Rastogi, secretary of the club, highlighted their dedication to ensuring equitable access to educational resources: “We believe in the power of education to change lives. This library is for every person in our community, regardless of age or background.” Rashmi Chandak, the club’s treasurer, added, “This community library is just one of our many social initiatives, and we hope for strong community participation and growth.” 

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendee Vani Naik praised the initiative, noting that the library’s placement in a garden encourages children to learn while playing. 

Looking ahead, the Lions Club plans to expand the library’s resources, host community events, and collaborate with educational institutions.