This cosy new public library in Gurgaon invites people to leave the chaos behind and read for free

mahino ab mulakaat nahi hoti,

jo shaamein unki sohbat mein kata karti thi, ab aksar

guzar jaati hain computer ke pardon par..” 

Among the many large frames with inspirational quotes that adorn the pillars of a new public library in Gurgaon, is one by Gulzar that describes in rather evocative terms, the quiet longing by books to be read at a time when most readers spend their days in front of computer screens. Anuradha Sehgal, global head of branding and CSR at the IT company Coforge, points to the quote as she talks about the principle behind the new library they have opened in the middle of a corporate park.  “We are welcoming you back to books and reading, and giving you the space to indulge in this very individual pursuit of knowledge,” says Sehgal.

After receiving a positive response to its initiative of a public library in Noida, Coforge launched a second such space in Gurgaon’s Badshahpur on Sohna Road. Spread out over 15,000 square feet, the library boasts of around 16,000 titles from all popular genres, including fiction, non-fiction, travel, spirituality, business, self-help, children’s books, and more. Its decor – soft pink, blue and grey upholstery, flooring that absorbs noise, and large windows that allow sunlight to stream in copious amounts – has been done carefully, keeping in mind a single objective: to create an atmosphere of calm.

“Everything is built in a way to leave the chaos behind,” explains Sehgal. The library does not allow laptops inside the reading space and has very few charging points. Neither work nor coffee can follow a reader into the area. The pure purpose for anyone to walk in, says Sehgal, would be to read and spend time with oneself.

For Sehgal, reading is an activity that requires enormous self-discipline in today’s fast-paced life. At the same time, she believes it is the sort of pursuit that should not be limited to a specific class of people. Accordingly, the library is free of cost for all. “Anyone can walk in and read without being obliged to become a member,” says Sehgal. “The world of reading is equally empowering for all.” She says that one of the guiding principles of creating the space was for it to be aspirational for everyone, but not intimidating to anyone.

Its decor – soft pink, blue and grey upholstery, flooring that absorbs noise, and large windows that allow sunlight to stream in copious amounts – has been done carefully, keeping in mind a single objective: to create an atmosphere of calm.  (Express Photo by Adrija Roychowdhury)

Since June 7, when the library first opened its doors, it has been receiving a footfall of about 250 people daily. Deepak Sharma, the head librarian, says they have been welcoming a lot of homemakers along with children. Among the books most widely read are the ones on women’s issues and from the children’s section.

Corporate workers and students are frequent visitors at the library. Ruchika, 43, an IT professional who was visiting the library on a Friday afternoon, says that she found out about its launch through a post on a social media site. “Since it is part of a corporate park, people can just drop by here during lunch hours, or after office,” she says, while flipping through a copy of Wings of Fire by former president and missile man of India, A P J Abdul Kalam. She says that she generally reads at home, but the Coforge library appeared to be a comfortable space, prompting her to try it out. “Most public libraries are not well maintained, which is often a hindrance for people who want to read for leisure,” she says.

Keeping in mind the different work and life schedules of readers, the library is kept functional on all seven days, between 9 am and 8 pm. Sehgal notes that at present there are close to 50,000 public libraries in India. The ideal recommendation, as per the International Federation of Library Association, is to have at least one library for every 3,000 people, she says, adding, “It means that India at present needs about 4.5 lakh public libraries.”

Creating more such spaces where people can simply read is the need of the hour, Sehgal says. “At the same time, our purpose is to create a top-notch space that is welcoming and comfortable, so that the library is preferred over any other place of leisure one would rather be in.”