Dear Supporters

The libraries were set up in Nandyal (Andhra Pradesh), Chinnasalem (Tamil Nadu), and Belgaum and Mysore (Karnataka) last year. Maintenance proved to be difficult in some hostels. Books had to be stocked in steel alamaris instead of racks. The children are avid readers especially enjoying the comics and picture books. The cost of the books were slightly higher than the initial expectation. So, the collection is sufficient but could have been a little better.

The books procured are in English, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Kannada. The books primarily are general knowledge ones, short story books and comics. For a few hostels, periodicals such as magazines and newspapers also have been subscribed to. As part of the library,  art and craft supplies also have been procured.

Alagammai Jayanthi who is the Chief Manager - Communications and Programmes at AIM for Seva says “Once we have an established model in place, we would like to build such libraries in all our hostels. We have 100 hostels spread across the 16 states in India and would like to encourage all our children to read and even have storytellers come in. AIM for Seva will be reaching out to Milaap and our lovely contributors again.”

The maintenance and stock-keeping of books is a challenge and the ideal titles of books required for various ages books is in the process of getting finalized.