Sasikala started the Read ‘n’ Rejoice library on 19th Feb 2016. Let us hear about her entrepreneurial journey of establishing and running a library and how she overcomes challenges.
When did you decide that you wanted to start a lending library?
I couldn’t find a suitable job after a career break of
4 years. So, I contemplated the idea of a startup. But I was firm that it
should be helpful to society. As books were my passion, I decided to start a
library and a Kids’ Activity Club.
What are the different steps you took to start the
library?
We did a survey of our apartment residents to check their interest level. I spoke to a couple of other libraries to understand the feasibility. After I decided to start the Read ‘n’ Rejoice library, I found a suitable location in Medavakkam. I got the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) registration done. I procured books from different sources. Then we did website development and hosting, marketing, and more.
We now have 1400+ members registered with the library and around 430 active members. We have 9500 books. We cover the books with lamination sheets and our staff are trained to clean and arrange them properly at regular intervals.
What was the first set of books you bought for the
library? What are the fast-moving books now in English and Tamil?
The first set of books we bought were Enid Blyton’s
Famous Five and Secret Seven series followed by Kalki novels. Geronimo Stilton,
Percy Jackson, and Wimpy Kid are fast-moving children’s books. In Tamil, Kalki,
Balakumaran, and Sandilyan novels are fast-moving.
How did your reading habit help you in making the
library flourish?
Many members who join the library have no idea about
books. They need suggestions that suits their interest. As I read books from
different genres, I am able to guide them. I also send regular book suggestions
to members, and conduct books clubs that help them to choose the books.
What are the advantages of being a member of Read ‘n’
Rejoice library?
Read ‘n’ Rejoice members get regular updates on the
latest books that are added to the library and book suggestions. Books are delivered
to their home if they opt for it. They can participate in the activities and
contests conducted by us.
We conduct phonics, cursive writing, and robotics
classes at the library. We also conduct story sessions, science workshops, book
clubs, public speaking, storytelling and quiz contests.
What are the hurdles you face from online memberships?
The main hurdle is getting delivery boys, who keep
changing. The next challenge is that at least 25% of the overall librarian’s
effort is spent on packing the books, preparing the list for delivery, and arranging
the returned books. It involves cost and effort.
What inputs do you get from the readers and how do you
change your work or purchase based on those?
We get book suggestions from members. We read the Goodreads
website reviews for the suggested books. Then we check the availability. If the
books are available at a reasonable price, we procure them immediately.
How does your family help in running the library?
My husband helps me in website updates and books
procurement. My mother-in-law takes care of the family when I am busy with
library activities.
What are other challenges you face in running the
library and how do you overcome them?
As there's floating population in Medavakkam, members
are moving out quite often. The number of adult readers is less. So, whenever
children are busy with academic activities, members don't continue
with the library. I keep suggesting books for adults through messages
and motivate them to read. This is because family reading is best to create
interest for children to read.
Location should be within 10 kms from our current library location. He/She should have interest in books.
Read 'n' Rejoice website: https://readnrejoice.in/
Instagram Handle: ReadnRejoice
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| Sasikala - Founder of Read 'n' Rejoice Library |
We wish Sasikala outstanding success with her library Read 'n' Rejoice and her noble thought of spreading knowledge through books.
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