Let us read: Greater Chennai Corporation sets up Reading Zones in north Chennai parks to foster literacy and community engagement

Reading Zones were launched at May Day Park, Chintadripet and Raghavendra Park, Choolai, on Wednesday, 14 February 2024. Plans are underway to expand these Reading Zones to eight more parks in north Chennai, on a pilot basis.

Also Read: Cubbon Reads is a paradise for seekers of solitude 

Habits and distractions

“There are some fascinating books here, do take a look,” encouraged Manoharan, gesturing toward a blue-white glass kiosk filled with around 50 books, mostly in Tamil.

These books covered a range of topics from cultural heritage to notable leaders, freedom fighters, and inventions.

Today we launched an initiative of “Reading Zone” in GCC parks with an objective to inculcate reading habit among public and to provide access to books to the children in areas that predominantly have slum pockets. It also aims to improve the literacy levels with a focus on women pic.twitter.com/lCuYTJqtSw

— RAVI TEJA KATTA (@katta_teja) February 14, 2024

After choosing a book and signing our names, we joined the 23 other readers listed in the register, all of whom had already embraced this small library since its recent inauguration.

Manoharan, passionate about promoting literacy, lamented the declining reading habits in the era of smartphones. “I make a point to draw people’s attention to this initiative,” he explained. “Even if someone picks up a book, they often get distracted by their phones. This includes schoolchildren, college-goers, and seniors. I see it every day here. But having a dedicated space like this will help reintroduce the joy of reading.”

When asked if he had read any of the books himself, Manoharan confessed that he was illiterate but compensated with a keen awareness of global events. He believes that reading could enhance his knowledge further. “If only I could read, I might be even smarter,” he remarked confidently.

Also Read: Seven books set in South India that are a must on young adult book shelves

Books for all

Reading Zone at May Day park, Chintadripet. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)

As we conversed, various park visitors, including seniors and youngsters, curious, glanced at the Reading Zone. 

Kalyani, a 65-year-old regular walker, reflected on the changing ways of accessing information. “In the past, we relied on newspapers and books. Nowadays, everything is on our phones. I wonder who will take advantage of this initiative.”

Sachidhanandhan, another walker, inquired whether the zone offered newspapers. “I’m more interested in current affairs,” he mentioned, before moving on when he found that it didn’t meet his requirements.

Manoharan noted that solitary walkers often gravitated toward books for companionship. “Even if they manage to read a few pages, adhu oru chinna vetri dhane (Isn’t it a small win?),” he said.

Manohar. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)

Yet, the true beneficiaries are those without access to books, libraries, or smartphones. The reading zone’s offerings are all accessible to the public free of charge. 

Padmaja, a 14-year-old, clad in her school uniform, and lugging a heavy bag, stepped into the park. Her eyes scanned the park until they settled on the Zone.  

She reached for a copy of the Thirukkural from the shelf. “My friend’s mother was here yesterday and mentioned this library to me. I have a competition approaching, but purchasing a Thirukkural book is beyond my means. So, I’ll make some notes here,” she shared. “I noticed they have a book on Subramania Bharathi and pazhamozhi’s (proverbs) as well. It will help me gain knowledge outside the school syllabus!” enthused Padmaja, whose mother and father work as daily wage workers. 

“People from diverse backgrounds visit the park, but not all share the same privileges. This initiative could be a lifeline for those deprived of reading materials,” Manoharan stressed.

Also Read: Literary Liberation: These six books echo the freedom struggle in South India

Powered by trust and hope

These books covered a range of topics from cultural heritage to notable leaders, freedom fighters, and inventions. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)

“I am here only to keep a check of everything, otherwise, the visitors are trusted to maintain the books. They are required to register the books they read before returning them to the box,” shared Manoharan.  

According to Regional Deputy Commissioner (North), Greater Chennai Corporation Katta Ravi Teja, they also aim to establish a community of readers engaging in book discussions to spread the joy of reading further.

A park visitor exploring the Reading Zone. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)

Donations of books are encouraged, either directly to the box or to the office of the Regional Deputy Commissioner (North). Based on user feedback, the facility will be improved and expanded to other parks in the city. 

Despite a steady majority of visitors walking past without pausing to explore the Reading Zone, Manoharan’s warm invitations persisted: “Vaange ma, vandhu book padinge! Vaange ayya,” (Come, sir, ma’am, come, read a book!).

As we placed our book back into the box, readying to depart, he leaned in with a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “You know, it’s only been four days since this was set up,” he said. “I truly believe it’ll gain momentum soon, once people recognise what a gem this Reading Zone is,” he added, enthusiastic about its future and the privilege of being a keeper of the books, something he had never experienced before but now cherishes.

The reading zone is accessible from 8 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 8 pm. Books can be donated to the Regional Deputy Commissioner (North), Greater Chennai Corporation, No. 61, Basin Bridge Road, Old Washermenpet, Chennai – 600021. Phone number: 044 25200025.