1 day ago
Ahmedabad Friends Expand Trust-Based Mini Libraries Across Gujarat
Two college friends in Gujarat wanted more people to enjoy books.
They created small libraries in public parks where anyone can take a book.
People do not need cards, and no one checks the shelves.
The system works because visitors return books or bring another book to share.
Their first library opened in Ahmedabad in June 2024.
The idea became popular, and libraries were added in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Local people sometimes clean the shelves and refill them with donated books.
The friends are now creating libraries in villages too.
They hope books will help people in many communities discover new ideas and stories.
Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar opened their first free mini library at Ahmedabad’s Parimal Garden on 23 June 2024.
Their initiative has grown to 13 libraries across Ahmedabad and Vadodara, with three more reportedly being prepared.
The libraries operate on trust, allowing people to take books and contribute others without membership cards or fines.
The founders say municipal permissions, community support, donated books, and public endorsements helped the project expand.
Their Virakt Foundation has also opened a village library in Bherunda and is developing a larger reading centre in Sudamda.
- Who
- Ahmedabad-based friends Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar, through their reading community Your Reading Circle.
- What
- They created free, trust-based mini libraries in parks and are expanding the model to village community libraries.
- Where
- The libraries are located across Ahmedabad and Vadodara, with village projects in Bherunda near Modasa and Sudamda in Surendranagar district, Gujarat.
- When
- The first library opened on 23 June 2024; Virakt Foundation was registered in March 2026.
- Why
- The founders wanted to make books more accessible, build reading communities, and provide spaces where people could read and discuss books.
Key facts
- Founders
- Heet Doshi and Om Thakkar
- Reading community
- Your Reading Circle, started in Ahmedabad in September 2023
- First library
- Parimal Garden, Ahmedabad; opened on 23 June 2024
- Current reach
- 13 libraries across Ahmedabad and Vadodara, according to the article
- Operating model
- Visitors can take books and contribute books; the libraries function without membership cards, fines, or formal monitoring
- Organization
- Virakt Foundation, registered in March 2026
- Village expansion
- A first village library opened in Bherunda near Modasa, with about 200 books and a 14-day borrowing register
Quotes
Heet Doshi
Ahmedabad-based co-founder of the free public-library initiative
“This initiative changed us psychologically because it made us believe that if your intention is pure and you continue taking action consistently, almost anything is possible.”
thebetterindia.com
“Do not begin by building the structure because permissions take the longest time, so the first thing people should focus on is getting approval from the authorities.”
thebetterindia.com
Sources
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