by Nikhat Tyagi (ATS Greens Village; 9811051460)
The entire library should be a place where learning, creating and sharing – and celebrating the accomplishments of all in the community – happen in every nook and cranny.” Above quote from Margaret Sullivan best encapsulates the idea which has driven painstaking efforts of resident volunteers involved over past couple of months, in the setting up the library in ATS Greens Village – going by the name “Atheneum”.
In mid-September, invited as speaker to a cozy gathering of residents, was our own resident and published author, Shiv Aroor. It was an interactive session, where Shiv shared interesting insights from his personal journey reporting and writing on wars and civil strife. Like the seasoned TV anchor he is, Shiv candidly also fielded the questions from a thinking and participative audience. With thanks, the library received a complete set of signed books from him. Children among the audience led the way through a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the formal opening of the library. Tea and treats followed to cap an engaging evening.
Library enthusiasts in the community who have sought such a facility on campus since pre-Covid times, and residents who patiently looked forward to a facilitation take on the semblance of organized shape, have welcomed the new library. Those who could join the inaugural engagement, shared in the pleasure of taking this small step forward together.
Words speak volumes and books carry many worlds within their folds. Atheneum is indebted to the many residents who have contributed pre-loved as well as new additions from popular authors for the purpose of the library in mind. Grateful to the generosity of the silent donor, who contributed anonymously towards the library’s furniture and infrastructure, the space was quickly able to acquire new bookcases for the thousand plus books now housed neatly on shelves. Appropriate newspaper and magazine stands were provisioned by some resident, and others have made thoughtful provision of newspapers and magazine subscription for the full year.
Current AOA Board gave a nod of approval, and seniors from the community too have encouraged the library endeavor. The initiative is thankful of the youthful shouldering of responsibility by one of our co-residents who helped in getting the bare basics up and standing in quick time. Also meaningful has been the contribution of a qualified senior resident who guided the normative methodology to be followed for maintaining inventory of books accessed by the library. A couple of other volunteers are digitizing the entries.
The number of books already received is overwhelming, although pause has been presently required to create more shelf space to host more variety and volume of books. Enrolled library members would be able to borrow, read and return the books as per expected discipline of a regular library.
The library effort is a small but earnest beginning. In a busy world, and a buzzing society, the larger idea is to carve a qualitative corner for reading and reflection. The aesthetically comfortable space hoots cheer for hosting connects with the spoken, written, and printed words.
To this very end, in the last week of September, the space was brought alive by a story-telling session by our resident, Meena Sharma (1854) – affectionately anointed “Meena Aunty” for the listening audience. From the sight of joyfully swinging legs, translating the energy of childlike glee, and from the volley of quips and exclaimed interjections, it was evident to all that the avidly listening original target audience had made an instant connect with the storyteller and story. “Dadi ke nuskhe” deftly responded to the voiced queries, and the answers got seamlessly interlaced into the contours of the unfolding narrative. Credit goes to the style and warmth of the storyteller that she received the ultimate compliment from some of the young ones – of reminding them of their grandmothers and their stories! In attendance were also some young parents, some other adult persons and few seniors as well; and together a disarmingly enjoyable hour was spent.
And this, dear readers, is the ultimate purpose of looking forward to forging mindful inter-generational bonds in community living, quite literally. Promises were made – that there would be more stories!!
