Passion for books makes Dugri couple set up mini book bank

To instill the passion of reading instead of scrolling on devices for social media, a Dugri-based couple has set up a mini book bank outside their home.

Paramjit Singh Grewal and Avinash Kaur, both retired college principals, came with this innovative idea to inspire people, especially youngsters, to read and expand their access to books.

“A mini book bank has been started by us in which we keep a few selected books in a small almirah outside our residence. We have been very fond of books since our childhood. This time during our stay in Canada, we saw “Little Free Library” boxes at many places. Most of them were outside in the front yard of their houses. We were very much impressed and after coming back to India, we also set up a mini book bank/library outside our house,” said Grewal.

Sharing the origin of these small book banks, Avinash Kaur said that they came to know that in 2009, Todd H Bol of the city of Hudson, USA, started the first small library in memory of his mother, who was a school teacher and book lover. Later, it became popular in other countries also, besides America and Canada.

“Getting inspired by them, this mini book bank has been started. Most of the books here are related to the good way of life and positive thoughts. No affiliation with any particular religion or ideology. One can take the book for reading at any time and keep it back after reading. If you want, you can also place any of your good books here to share with other readers,” shared the couple.

They further stated that, “The main aim behind this book bank is to increase interest in reading books in the era of smart phones and to touch the pinnacle of humanity by developing good qualities. Any friend can open such book bank in front of his house or at any other suitable place in single or double shelf wooden or iron almirah.