Archive · 3 Nov 2025
Dr. Ismat Gabula Creates Free Community Libraries Across India
Imagine little houses filled with books placed in parks where anyone can borrow a story.
Dr. Ismat Gabula and her husband started this because they believe reading is a great way to learn.
They first sent books to children in Kashmir and saw how happy it made them.
Then, they thought, 'Why not do this in our city, Mumbai?'
So, they created special boxes for books that can stay outside, even in the rain.
Inside, there are books for kids and grown-ups, but no books about religion or politics, just fun stories.
People can take a book, read it, and even leave one for someone else.
These free libraries are now in many parks and places all over India, helping lots of people discover the joy of reading, even when phones and computers are everywhere else.
Dr. Ismat Gabula and her husband founded the Gabula Foundation in 2022 to promote reading and education.
The initiative, called Library4All, places free, open-access book boxes in public gardens and community spaces.
The libraries are designed to be accessible and weather-resistant, with a focus on light reading material for all ages.
The Gabula Foundation has established 48 libraries in Mumbai and 189 libraries across India.
The project aims to counter digital distractions by making reading enjoyable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.
- Who
- Dr. Ismat Gabula and her husband Abbasali, co-founders of the Gabula Foundation
- What
- Establishing free, open-access community libraries in public spaces
- When
- The Gabula Foundation was co-founded in 2022, and the first Library4All was set up in the same year.
- Where
- Public gardens and community spaces in Mumbai and across India
- Why
- To promote education, inspire learning, share knowledge, and make books freely accessible to everyone, especially those who may not have the means to buy them.
The Problem of Declining Reading Habits
The Solution: Free Community Libraries
Accessibility to Books
The Problem of Declining Reading Habits
Mobile phones and digital distractions are leading people to read less.
The Solution: Free Community Libraries
Free, open-access libraries placed in public spaces ensure anyone can access books easily.
Purpose of the Libraries
The Problem of Declining Reading Habits
The libraries are intended for pleasure reading and sharing knowledge.
The Solution: Free Community Libraries
They avoid religious, political, or controversial content to remain inclusive and focused on enjoyment.
Community Involvement
The Problem of Declining Reading Habits
Traditional reading habits are diminishing.
The Solution: Free Community Libraries
Ground-level engagement, including educating garden watchmen and recruiting volunteers, ensures the libraries' upkeep and accessibility.
- Founder
- Dr. Ismat Gabula and Abbasali Gabula
- Organization
- Gabula Foundation
- Initiative Name
- Library4All
- Libraries in Mumbai
- 48
- Libraries in India
- 189
- Content Exclusions
- Religious, political, controversial content, magazines, newspapers