ON WHEELS: Kulkarni says advent of internet hasn’t stopped his moving library from operating
One of Mumbai's most endearing and enduring libraries is a Kalyan-based book bank that has been supplying residents with books since 47 years. However, unlike conventional libraries, Datta Kulkarni's circulating book shop exists on two wheels. The 67-year-old owns a bicycle that doubles up as the library's permanent address! And so popular is the response from residents that Kulkarni says the advent of television or internet haven't made a dent in his operations.
“I started the library on May 1, 1972,” says Kulkarni. Speaking of his origins, he says he couldn't complete his education because of poverty. Being one of five siblings, he had to support the family himself. “I always wanted to have a business of my own and wasn't interested in a job,” he adds.
He got the idea when he visited a friend's place in Chembur and saw a library nearby. “I learnt everything about handling a library, and when I returned home, started one of my own in Kalyan,” he recalls.
He started with 13 members and a monthly fee of Rs 2.50. The money thus saved was invested in a bicycle. “Ever since, I have been going to readers' homes twice a week to provide them with books,” he adds.
The 13 members have now grown to 401, while Kulkarni also runs his own bookstore today. “If I get a 25 per cent discount from the book seller, I offer 10 per cent off to the readers,” he says. In addition, he also invests the money back on charity. “I pay for education of needy children,” Kulkarni says.
Reading is an experience that television or internet can't ever impact, he says. “People still read in this digital age. The internet book hasn't been able to wipe out this habit. That's because books have the power to engage and transform you,” he says.
There is only one change over 67 years, however. Instead of a bicycle, the senior citizen, on account of his old age, now uses a scooter to deliver the Books!
Man With A Vision
- The 67-year-old owns a bicycle that doubles up as the library’s permanent address
- He currently has 401 members to supply books to. He also has a shop
- On account of his old age, Datta Kulkarni now uses a scooter to deliver the books to his readers
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Datta Kulkarni")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}