Pop-up bike library inspires reading culture in Thoothukudi

Kumizhmunai J. Simon Aravinth Singh arranges the books at his bike library on Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai road.
| Photo Credit:
A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN

Amid the bustling Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai road, a pop-up bike library shines bright during the night time, drawing the attention of passersby and readers.

The library is being run by a 34-year-old data entry operator, Kumizhmunai J Simon Aravinth Singh, from Thoothukudi for the past two years, driven by a genuine cause to cultivate the reading habit among youngsters and to spotlight the books written by new and emerging writers.

For Mr. Simon, the idea of starting a bike library, opposite to Thoothukudi Corporation’s planetarium stems from a much bigger dream of establishing a huge library, inspired by the one which Dr. Ambedkar had.

Recalling the emotional phase that reshaped his journey, “I was battling depression when my father died two years ago. During that difficult phase, my friends met me every evening at this same spot. One day, we were talking about dreams, and I shared mine – to build a large library.”

He added: “As setting up a full-scale library required huge funds, an idea sparked in me to launch a pop-up bike library on my two-wheeler. My only expenses were for a wooden pole and ropes, which cost me just ₹500.”

Although Mr. Simon had around 2,000 books in his personal collection, he shared his vision on social media, as he wanted to expand the platform for upcoming writers.

“Through that post, I received around 45 books written by new authors within a month. Even a few months ago, Minister Geetha Jeevan invited us and donated around 100 books for the library,” he added.

Speaking about his own publishing initiative, Kumizhmunai publications, he said he had assessed the publishing process and proved that a book could be published at ₹5,000, purely to support the writer.

Mr. Simon further shared that Kumizhmunai began publishing books in June 2004, and so far, around 70 books had been released under the banner.

Explaining the uniqueness of his library model, he said, “The book collection changes everyday, Nearly 80% of the library consists of books written by young and emerging authors, while the books by well-known writers occupy only 20%.”

The library had three sections: for children, young writers and established authors.

Ishwarya, a regular reader, said the library introduced her to many promising new writers and described the book collection as “refreshing and highly interesting.”

Mr. Simon also highlighted the trust-based lending system followed at the library. “On an average, at least five people visit the library every day. Some even take books home by sharing their name and contact number. In the past two years, nearly 1,000 books were borrowed and every single one has been returned,” he said proudly, reflecting on the bond the initiative had built with the community.