Annai Indira Nagar in Okkiyam Thuraipakkam, OMR is proud to have its first Little Free Library. This concept, also known as Free Book Sharing Box, is very popular in the USA and Canada. Jeyakumar, a resident of Annai Indira Nagar has brought this concept to Chennai by installing a small book sharing box, in front of his residence.
Little Free Library (LFL) is about ‘book sharing’, to promote literacy and love for reading along with a sense of ‘sharing’. The idea is quite simple, there is a weatherproof box containing books, placed outside Jeyakumar’s house, which is open 24 hours on all days. Anyone can take any book for reading, but is expected to replace it with another book to be enjoyed by someone else and the reader is also encouraged to return the taken book after reading. This LFL accepts all types of books from fiction to philosophy, marketing, technology, DIY and so much more.
LFLs, according to Jeyakumar, are a terrific opportunity to engage with the community and share your passion for reading. He went on to add, “When I told my friends and family about the idea, many were sceptical and warned me that the books would be stolen if the box was left open all day.That didn’t affect me, and I was prepared to replace the books in the event they were taken away. However, I haven’t come across anything like that yet. In reality, neighbours donated books, and readers are being responsible by keeping a book before taking one. When a carpenter saw the book box outside my house the other day, he came up to me and said he would be happy to create me a larger box for no charge. I was amazed at how many individuals came forward to express their admiration for the idea.”
The city is now proud to have its own Little Free Library in OMR.
Jeyakumar can be reached on Instagram: littlefreelibrary.chennai or by WhatsApp on 98844 96988. You can reach out to him for ideas on how to get something similar setup at your house / area, or for donating books.
