Innovation in Libraries

Innovation in Libraries

Library as a social space

Libraries now are not just places for storing books but also service organizations.  They may be  platforms which can be shared for performing arts like dance, drama, etc. People need spaces to meet up, discuss ideas and work in groups, they also need welcoming places to relax between classes and meet friends. Librarians should understand this and therefore create a great social space where one can feel free to move the furniture, log into their laptop or enjoy a snack or coffee from cafes.

In many western countries this initiative that is, ‘Library as a social space’ has already been taken up. Mumbai is known as the city that never sleeps. Then, in such a city people should be given a social space to come out of their hectic schedules and that place could be a library. There are many poetry clubs which exist in many areas of Mumbai. A library can share its space with such poetry clubs. Few of the clubs are The Poetry Club (TPC), Cappuccino Readings, etc. Apart from the performing arts and poetry clubs, library can have a book-cafe where a patron can choose his/her book and can enjoy it with a cup of coffee.

These innovations in libraries are quite cost effective and easy to implement. Librarians can simply contact such poetry clubs and can arrange for a poetry session in their libraries. This can be a win-win situation from both the sides where the club will get a free space to interact with people and promote themselves as well as the library will be able to organize an event and get new users. In a similar way, a library can also provide its members a cup of coffee with a book that they are reading.


Ms Devika Prabhu, Library Assistant
Nehru Centre Library