Why Mobile Library?
Many children living in and around Tiruvannamalai do not have access to books other than their school textbooks. This limits their education to a narrow range of school subjects. The mobile library stifles their curiosity and awareness of what the world has to offer.
Goal
We hope to instill a love of reading in children, giving them a productive way to spend their time, enhance their knowledge, and encourage their passion for learning.
Where?
Government schools in and around Tiruvannamalai, evening schools of Regenboog, and many other places in Tiruvannamalai.
How?
Regenboog distributes books to children in two ways. First, through a Mobile Library Vehicle, and then via five Motor Cycle libraries. This project includes a collection of over 35,000 books delivered during the day to 125+ government schools. In the evenings, the Motorcycle Library provides books to our Evening Schools and other neighbourhoods. Every student receives a membership card, and the entire library system is automated, making the process more time-efficient.
These six vehicles visit each designated location every other week; therefore, children can check out and return books every two weeks. Regenboog staff members ensure that the children are involved in discussions about the book they read, what they learned, and what they would like to study next.
Impact
In the 2024-25 academic year, the mobile library project distributed over 85,000 books, a testament to the enjoyment of reading. Children have another testament: the eagerness and happiness they show when the mobile library arrives.
To know the up to date data of the project click here Arunachala Mobile Library Dashboard
Fridge Libraries
People in India often have to wait long periods for their needs to be met at government offices and hospitals. While they stay longer, we thought it would be a good idea to allow them to read a book, so we launched a new initiative called 'Fridge library.' Refrigerators that had previously been discarded were purchased, refurbished, and converted into mini library bookshelves. These fridge libraries will be placed in locations such as government hospitals, police stations, and other public gathering places to encourage public reading habits. When we approached the officers to put these libraries on their premises, they were very appreciative of this one-of-a-kind effort, which motivates us to move forward.
