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Journalism of Courage
Written by Ruta Patil
At a time when children often scroll before they can spell, a quiet reading revolution is taking shape in Pune. Across the city, vibrant libraries are helping children rediscover the joy of holding a book and getting lost in stories. Run mostly by passionate parents, these community spaces are reviving an old culture in a new form, one that values curiosity over clicks.
‘Kahanee Kids Library’, founded by Gayatri Patwardhan in June 2022, began as a passion project in a small outhouse and has since grown into two branches in Karve Nagar and Baner, serving over 1,500 young readers. Having lived in the United States for five years, Patwardhan wanted to bring the community library culture she’d seen abroad to Pune.
With over 40,000 books and weekly storytelling sessions, it is now a space where creativity flows freely. Parents say it has changed how their children see reading. Dr Rohit Behere calls it “a godsend” for his twin daughters, while another parent, Anagha Mehendale, says, “My daughter’s curiosity has really grown. She reads everything from fiction to space books. It has widened her horizon.”
In Pashan, ‘Joy by Books’, founded by Priya Riswadkar, carries the same warmth. What began as a passion for stories has now brought together over 1,200 members and 25,000 books, 70 per cent of which cater to young readers.
“Reading shouldn’t stop with childhood,” says Riswadkar. “It should grow with you from picture books to paperbacks, from fairytales to philosophy.”
With branches in Sahakar Nagar and Kothrud, ‘Book My Reads’, founded by Prajakta Kulkarni, has made reading a community celebration, featuring 16,000 books and 400 members, 80 per cent of whom are children. The library hosts various storytelling and reading sessions.
Their ‘Reader of the Month Award’ is often bagged by kids who read over 60 books in a month. “Parents often think reading is secondary to academics,” says Kulkarni. “But it is very necessary for building language, empathy, and confidence.”
Owned by Nutan Gala and started in 2011, ‘Unnati Books and Toys Library’, Wakad began with a simple need: to give children access to quality books and toys. The library has grown into a beloved community hub with over 15,000 books and 2,000 active members. It offers everything from sensorial books to workshops that make reading a fun, hands-on experience.
“A book is a gateway to the world; it builds confidence, language, and understanding,” says Gala, who believes that cultivating reading habits early helps children not just learn, but fall in love with learning itself.
Parents say the library has transformed their children’s reading habits. “My 13-year-old now reads every day and has become more articulate,” says parent Prajakta Kulkarni.
Another parent, Rachana Shah, says, “Both my kids love reading, it is important as it builds vocabulary and gives children the power of imagination and creativity.”
Adding a personal touch to this growing movement is SMB Children’s Library, a home library at NIBM Road, founded by Tasneem Vohra in June 2023. What began with a few imported titles has now grown into a collection of 2,500 books that reaches over 400 children. “Children still love reading,” says Vohra. “They just need the right access, affordable, personal, and responsive to their interests.”
Between small chairs, tall shelves, and the quiet hum of imagination, Pune’s children are proving that some of the best adventures still begin with a book.
“Community support is very important for the library culture,” reflects Gayatri Patwardhan.
“If more people encourage reading as a shared habit, this culture won’t just survive, it will grow stronger with every story.”
Ruta Patil is an intern with The Indian Express.
