Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation runs mobile library for just five readers

In the digital era, where people are hooked to their smartphones and other gadgets, libraries play an important role in keeping the tradition of reading a physical book alive. With an aim of promoting the habit of reading books, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)'s MJ Library initiated mobile libraries, set-up in three divisions, women, children and for the new west zone.

The number of readers decreased over the year, but the authority is still hopeful of garnering more readers. They have not discontinued the service in spite of running it with just for five women members. On an average the authority spends Rs 5700 and more for the maintenance per month.

Since its inception in 1989, the library has registered about 250-lifetime members. But now there are just five active members. The attendant of the library said that the mobile library runs in six routes and each designated pocket has fixed time.

Librarian Bipin Modi said, "The mobile van library starts at 8.30 am and returns by noon. There are more than 7000 books available in this library." There are novels, religious books, cooking books, stitching, beauty tips, mehndi, rangoli, child care and health-related books. At a time around 250 to 300 books are made available, and they change every fortnight. He further informed that, "The maintenance and other repairs of the van are conducted by the central workshop."

For the new west zone's library there are 19 members, of which 18 were added in 20171-18. This van was bought in 2009 and it travels in five areas. Lifetime membership cost is Rs 1500, while Rs 500 is for yearly membership.