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| World Book Day |
Though television serials, video games, films and an array of distraction tools continue to occupy their minds, younger generation and children do read a lot, contrary to fears, say experts.
Apart from government libraries and private book banks, many individuals and friends groups run reading clubs and small libraries to encourage reading and publishing.
Take the case of ‘Koodu Vaasiparangam’ (Nest reading club) in Madurai, a five-year-old club run by women, for women. “In a move to improve women-friendly thinking among women, a group of friends founded this club. Every month, we organise book review sessions and debates.
Our 50-member club has reviewed over 150 books so far,” said Koodu member Saalai Selvam.
Koodu members have published two books on menstrual hygiene and child sexual abuse. They also conduct women film festivals under the banner, ‘Pen Thirai’.
A group of children in Tiruvallur district has been running a library. M. Sasikala (16) and S. Lakshmi are running this library at Arunvoyal village and enrolled over 100 members now.
“Children from nearby villages also visit our library. We have magazines to know about current affairs and books on science and technology, general knowledge books and storybooks. We do not stop with lending books but also conduct group discussions to share our views on the books which we read,” said the members.
Several college students and young professionals are approaching the Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) to help them with publishing. BAPASI president Sethu Chockalingam (62) said youth are ready with modern literary works and are looking for publishing houses.
“We receive applications from youngsters to publish their work every month. The number of visitors to book fairs is on the rise every year. And we find that the sales of books are multiplying fast,” he said.
He said discussions are on among the public to have a reading room in their houses. “We observed at meetings that readers suggest that having a reading room in every house will improve the habit. Similar to kitchen and toilet, a reading room should also be constructed,” he added.
Books on wheels
Readers can call up to locate the mobile library in their town.
Chennai- 3237313, Dharmapuri- 9710944821, Trichy-9842797813.
Every house should have a reading room similar to kitchen and toilet at home, suggest readers.
The World Books Day was first celebrated in 1995. UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has been celebrating the Books Day to campaign for reading habit and publishing books.
