In a quiet corner of CIDCO Garden, Sector 7, Kharghar, a small revolution is unfolding ‘one book at a time’.

The community library, lovingly founded by Bhawana Gupta affectionately known as the “Book Aunty” of Kharghar opened its doors on November 12, 2024. With over 1,000 donated books for all age groups, this gazebo library is a heartfelt attempt to rekindle the joy of reading among children and teens, and to gently wean them off screens.

In an age of algorithms and endless scrolling, Gupta’s initiative is a gentle reminder that magic still lives between the pages of a book.

“In today’s world, even when children meet, especially teenagers they’re glued to their phones, even in each other’s company. That’s heartbreaking,” says Gupta, her voice echoing the concern of countless parents and educators.

The library is as unique as it is charming. Set within the public garden, it functions only during park hours and encourages on-site reading. Readers are asked to use bookmarks so they can pick up where they left off, creating a sense of continuity and ownership without taking the books home. A security guard has also been appointed to ensure the books stay in the library and remain accessible to all.

The idea sprouted during the pandemic, when Gupta created a WhatsApp group called Free Education Resource. The goal was simple but powerful: to prevent school, college, and competitive exam books from being sold off as scrap. Instead, these books found new homes with students who truly needed them.

“During that time, I received several books, storybooks, novels and I realized they needed a home. That’s when I thought of creating a free community library. I approached the former ward corporation Harshada Upadhyay she helped me with permission and the library was set,” explains Gupta.

“I come from a humble background,” she shares. “After losing my father at a young age, my mother worked hard to fund my and three other siblings’ education. We often had to ask our seniors for their used books. I know what it means when a book comes to you as a gift, not a privilege.”

Has the project been successful? Gupta smiles thoughtfully. “It’s not about numbers. Even if one child gets hooked on reading, it’s a victory.”

As the summer holidays begin, the library is buzzing with plans. From bookmark-making workshops on April 12 to storytelling sessions April 26, Gupta is ensuring that the space becomes associated with wonder, imagination, and community.

She isn’t stopping there. A cozy reading corner has already been set up at Kallol Café in Kharghar, extending her mission to turn  more young minds into curious readers.