THE STORY

My story begins in India where I lived until I was 8 years old. I was fortunate to go to a very good school in Bangalore. India however, is a land of extremes. There is poverty everywhere, and it was hard to see children my age without the essentials. My family set a fund out to ensure that all the children of their employees were educated until Grade 12 for free. But how do I contribute to ensuring that children my age get to read and get a fair chance in the world?

I moved to England in 2016, and was put in a culture where reading was natural to kids my age. I didn't like reading as much, and would much rather be out playing than sitting with a book. When my grades arrived, I realised that I needed to improve my grades in English. The only way I could improve was by reading more, and so I begrudgingly started reading. Over the years, I collected many books, most of which are now collecting dust on a shelf. I didn't want to throw them away, but I didn't know what to do with the books that I have read. 

In my schooling years in England, developed a curious mind. The idea of making things out of nothing fascinated me. I became quite good at complex Lego, making things out of cardboard, making robots, putting together circuits and the like. I was also taken to the Bodleian Library in Oxford, which was an eye-opening experience for me. The wealth of knowledge in that building that has been preserved for generations to learn from, inspired me to read more. 

This summer an idea stuck where I could bring together my creative spirit, the books that I have collected, and ensuring that children start reading early. "If a boy like me can be inspired to read because of access to great books, then anyone can be inspired", I thought. So I researched the idea of creating a micro-library outside my house in London. I first wanted to donate them to whoever wanted it in the neighbourhood. But then something bigger came to mind. What if I can create a network of these libraries?

With the help of my brother, I created a small house shaped box with a shelf and installed it in Hyde Park at the local tennis club. Inspired by the Bodleian, I called it "MICROBOD". The first hyper-local library was born.

SOCIAL READING

Find MICROBOD and follow us on INSTAGRAM. If you find a hyper-library or a book you like, just tag our Instagram page on it, or #microbod on your social pages. Lets spread the word! Get the world reading again.