How the concept of a children’s library got shaped
The news of a children’s library fixed on the boundary wall of The Forest Spa society (Sector 93B), which Samvada shared with its readers in the previous edition (December 2023), was
warmly received by the sector residents. We received few phone calls where they wanted to know more about this concept. Some who visited this place were appreciative of the display of books on the shelves of a thoughtfully designed almirah. We tried to get in touch with the person who made this happen.
A resident of The Forest Spa, Meena Sharma is always inclined to devote her time and work for the welfare of the society. When she came to know that few of the co-residents have formed a trust with the motive to teach small children that roamed around aimlessly, she contacted them and contributed for the betterment of the children. During this time, she got to know from Shanti Prasad Agarwal (founder of the trust) his idea of a library where the children should have free and easy access to book in order to develop their interest in reading habit. Here, in order to develop the concept of self-discipline and responsibility among the children, they issue the book themselves and on returning mark entry in the register kept in the library. Mrs Sharma took upon herself to give shape to this noble idea.
An almirah big enough for more book in future was her idea when she got a good carpenter to design book space in a 5×5 ft area with shelves. She donated some books too. Around Dusshera time, in October 2023, the library was set up outside the boundary wall of The Forest Spa. There are thick durries for children to sit and read. Mrs Sharma now plans to have a shed made so that the children are able to sit in its shade during the summer days.
Meena Sharma is a people-centric person; social work is in her blood that she’s seen in her family. She is associated with a 100-bed eye hospital in the vicinity of Noida, where free eye surgeries are done.
She was brought up and educated in Delhi. An electronics and communication engineer, she worked as telecom engineer in Tata Communications. She moved to The Forest Spa in October 2022 and after her retirement in July 2023 has since devoted her time for societal issue. “We ought to give back to the society,” is her firm belief.
