Beyond books

Beyond books

Children's libraries in the city are turning into spaces of fun and sound

Odeal D'Souza. Bangalore
From art to adventure, children dabble in plenty of areas that allow them the opportunity to explore their creativity, all in their own time. And now children's libraries are swiftly becoming art galleries for juniors. "We have a fun hour where children are encouraged to use materials like crayons, chalk, paint, easels, props and paper to create and display their very own works of art. The chalkboard walls fulfill their insatiable need to scribble on the walls," says Misbah Imranthe, centre manager, I-Cue Library. "If they see pictures that captured their imagination while reading, they can draw it on the board," he adds.
"My Mithra Library also has sessions that include solving crosswords, writing essays, asking riddles and creative writing, twice a week," says Janhavi Lakshmi, the library's founder.
Depending on the children's ages, a few libraries also conduct activities to introduce them to different cultures and mythological characters. "Children above the age of four have what is called the cultural course. We narrate stories that will acquaint them with Indian culture," says Lakshmi, "Prop-making classes are also held where children narrate stories with the help of props. We recently told them the story of Ganesha and the children came up with an idea of making a mouse. They are also taught phonics."
Libraries like Hippo Campus celebrate festivals as well. "For Janmashtami, we had children break pots. A Christmas Carnival was held last year. On Halloween night, children have made props and dressed in costumes. Flower rangolis are made on the occasion of Onam. It's a good way for children to learn about festivals and the stories behind them. Parents are also invited," says Syama Selvan, a staff member.
Easylib.com Library has introduced a game intended to get their young readers analysing what they read, "The book buffet is a huge hit," says Vanishree Mahesh, founder. "Here, children have to choose 10 books and then read at least two books and give an analysis," she says.
Weekends also mean interaction sessions with resource people from various fields. "We call them in to help members with their reading. After a story is read, they conduct a play for the kids. These 'resource people' are spoken word artists who perform poetry. Children can get a deeper perspective without suffering the nuances of the narration," says Mahesh. "We invite people from the Kathalaya, a house of stories. They come up with interesting techniques of story-narration. Short stories by writers like Munshi Premchand can be narrated in a manner which is endearing to children."
And things get more thrilling with movie screenings. "We bring educative films so that children can learn. After the screening, discussions are held," says Misbah. Everything under the sun finds a place within the walls of these libraries, including science where topics are decided and experiments conducted. Says Imran: "We chose the topic 'Colour' and did experiments on how to differentiate between them."
"We do this so that children learn to ask why," says Selvan. "It is a fun experience for children at the library," says Sonal Menocha, who takes her son Krish to Out of the Box library, which also holds movie screenings.
Adventure is not restricted to books, as children are taken camping too. "We only take the children," smiles Syama. My Mithra also conducts puppet shows. "We call Jayashree, who has done more than 200 hundred shows in India and abroad. The kids love it," says Laxmi.
Eight-year-old Hari Pradyumnan sums up the atmosphere: "I get to have fun at the library. I love it there!"