The library opened in April 2022, just as Delhi’s schools re-opened following one of the longest covid lockdowns in the world. While the pandemic should have helped to build a shared destiny, instead it amplified the digital divide, between the private school children required to sit at laptops for several hours daily and the public school children left with scant access and support. The situation galvanized the founders into setting up the library.
Originally from the UK, Orlanda Ruthven has lived in Mehrauli for 18 years and works on skill development and employability as a consultant.
Anupriya Khare is a Delhi-based life skills trainer and has built and delivered curriculums for social and emotional learning, environmental education, and art for social change for a range of age groups.
Staff
Mahima Kumari, MCL’s librarian, is the only full-time staff and the backbone of daily life in the library. A graduate of government school in Delhi, she is studying for her B Lib. Before joining MCL she completed a nine-month internship at The Community Library Project.
Tarla handles our reading fluency programme for younger members, identifying and supporting children who have fallen behind their grade standard in Hindi.
Volunteers
Dhwani
“The library is a platform for the kids to learn and for me to help them, even in a small way. That makes me happy”.
Nisha
“We’re surrounded by children helping them learn, but in the process we learn ourselves”.
Umang
“It is a privilege to be among such enthusiastic, curious and bright minds in this magical space”.
Asif
“No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone is welcome here”.
Abhishek
"Why do I volunteer? Engaging with children is one of the essential tasks for everyone who wants to see a better world”.
Gautam
"यह लाइब्रेरी सभी लोगों के लिए निशुल्क है और यही सबसे अच्छी बात है. किताबों पर सबका हक होता है".
(This library is free for everyone and that is the best thing. Everyone has the right to books).
Members
The library could not run smoothly without the help of regular members who contribute in multiple ways, such as book circulation and shelving, the enforcement of library rules, promoting the library through door-to-door walks in the community, and helping organize special events. Through these activities, members learn what it takes to run a shared community space, cooperate with others in teams and solve problems as they arise.
Armed with books, MCL members join community walks to promote the library
Once books are catalogued, members prepare them for shelves to be used by all
Trustees
Shaily Gupta
Shaily Gupta is a practicing architect and the designer of the MCL space. https://www.sgastudio.org/
She also engages in public art projects, exploring issues around waste, urban renewal, history and technology.
Amardeep Behl
Amardeep Behl, a long-term resident of Mehrauli, is the founder director of Design Habit, building experiential spaces which are
are immersive, emotional, entertaining and educational.
Nandita Tripathi Bansal
Nandita Tripathi Bansal is a primary school teacher and has lived most of her life in Delhi. She loves having conversations with children.