How Two Students Turned Ahmedabad’s Parks into Mini Libraries — and How You Can Too
In a fast-moving digital world filled with notifications and endless scrolling, the simple act of reading a book can feel almost revolutionary. But what if access to books wasn’t limited to libraries or bookshops? What if a quiet corner of your local park could offer that same escape?
That’s the vision college friends Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar brought to life with Your Reading Circle — a community-led initiative that transforms public parks into free, open-air mini libraries. No walls. No memberships. Just books, shelves, and a shared love for reading.
Since launching their first park library in Ahmedabad in late 2023, the duo has inspired a movement — and it’s one you can start too.
Turning a Park into a Library: Their 8-Step Guide
1. Start with Community, Not Books
Before a single shelf was installed, Heet and Om began by building a circle of fellow readers. A simple WhatsApp group and a few weekend meetups led to a vibrant local reading community.
“We wanted a space where people could connect over books,” Heet says. “That’s what started it all.”
2. Look for Inspiration Around You
The idea was sparked by Perumkulam in Kerala — a village known for its roadside libraries. Local success stories can offer powerful inspiration for urban projects.
3. Choose the Right Location
Accessibility is key. Their first library was set up in Parimal Garden, a popular park in Ahmedabad. Parks draw people naturally — making them the perfect place to discover a book.
“We wanted to be where people naturally gather,” Om explains.
4. Get the Green Light
Getting permissions from local authorities took about a month and involved approvals from multiple departments. But persistence paid off — framing the library as a community benefit helped them move forward.
5. Keep the Setup Simple
The design? A waterproof bookshelf-in-a-box, built with local fabricators. Each one holds 25–30 books and stands up to weather and wear. It’s proof that practical ideas don’t need to be fancy.
6. Gather Books from Your Network
Most of their first collection came from donations — friends, family, neighbors, and their own personal libraries.
“It’s amazing how quickly the shelves filled up,” Heet says.
7. Recruit Local Volunteers
Each mini library is managed by two nearby volunteers who keep things clean, check inventory, and update a shared spreadsheet. A decentralized model ensures sustainability.
8. Spread the Word Online
Social media helped the initiative grow beyond city limits. With regular updates and community shoutouts, interest poured in from across India — and even from readers in Canada, Australia, and the US.
Five Libraries Later… and Growing
Today, Ahmedabad has five park libraries — each one a hub for curiosity, conversation, and quiet reflection. The movement has created ripples beyond bookshelves.
“We often see 15–20 people browsing the shelves at any time,” says Heet. “It’s become part of the park’s rhythm.”
Want to Start One in Your City?
All it takes is a few passionate people, a shelf, and a shared love for books. Your Reading Circle proves that meaningful change can begin with a simple idea and a public space.
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