Bookshelves across Dhanmondi Lake: A nook for everyone to read
Inspired by Germany’s street bookcases, the initiative at Dhanmondi Lake has gained admiration, with many donating books and joining the mission to promote reading
Small wooden boxes hang from the trees, resembling birdhouses at first glance. But instead of birds, these boxes are filled with books. Anyone can pick a book to read and is expected to return it to the same spot after reading.
This is a sight many might associate with foreign countries, often seen in viral social media posts that leave viewers wishing for something similar here. But now, this unique scene can be witnessed right in Dhaka's Dhanmondi Lake.
The creator behind these unique bookcases is Zakia Rayhana Rupa, a true book enthusiast. Her inspiration came from a video she stumbled upon on Facebook. The video showcased a remarkable concept in Germany — bookshelves placed along streets, at bus stops, and even in forests. People were seen reading and donating books.
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Rupa thought, "If it's possible in Germany, why not in Bangladesh?" Driven by this idea, she decided to set up similar small bookcases in Dhaka. Living near Dhanmondi Lake, she naturally chose the area as the starting point for her initiative.
"The first bookcase and books were funded by me, but from then on, all the bookcases and books being added have been donated by people. One person donated 117 books from their grandmother's collection, another sent around 20 books, and someone even couriered books. This initiative is all possible because of everyone's support."
On 16 November, Rupa began with just one bookcase, filled with five books by Mohiuddin Mohammad. Today, there are 10 bookcases placed around the lake, each offering a variety of books.
Rupa shared that the response has been overwhelming from the start. People of all ages visiting the lake have shown great interest. Many have started reading regularly, while even those who do not read are at least picking up the books to take a look.
Under each bookcase, Rupa has hung a notice that reads, "Take a book, read it, and return it carefully to the bookcase when you're done. Please do not take the books home." She has also encouraged people to donate books.
Lamia Islam Chhoa, who was reading a book from one of the bookcases, shared that she absolutely loves this initiative.
"I can't even begin to explain how happy this makes me," said Chhoa. "I come for a walk by the lake every day. Even if it's just for 10 minutes, I try to read a book. And even if I don't read, it's simply wonderful to be near these amazing books."
The small bookcases are catching the attention of many. Rupa explained that the reason for making them small is to ensure that books are easily accessible to people.
"I can place these bookcases right within people's reach," Rupa said. "Each one holds about seven to eight books. Since they're small, I can place several in one area. Wherever people sit, I can put one there, so anyone can simply reach out and take a book to read."
Rupa's initiative has inspired many people. Among them is Kazi Mohammad Numan, a student of Dhaka College, who brought about ten books from his collection to add to the bookcases simply out of his admiration for the idea.
Rupa shared, "The first bookcase and books were funded by me, but from then on, all the bookcases and books being added have been donated by people. One person donated 117 books from their grandmother's collection, another sent around 20 books, and someone even couriered books. This initiative is all possible because of everyone's support."
Rather than focusing on novels, stories, and poetry, Rupa has carefully selected books that can inspire positive intellectual growth. She has included works by renowned authors like Rabindranath Tagore, Humayun Azad, and Ahmed Sofa.
Rupa said, "Considering our population, the number of libraries in the country is very low. In this city filled with traffic, by the time you get to a library, you lose the peace of mind needed to read. I thought if books could be made easily accessible to people, they would start reading. Even those who don't have the habit of reading will eventually become interested by watching others read."
Rupa shared that many people have shown interest in her initiative. "Everyone has reacted so positively, eagerly sharing it with others. I am receiving numerous messages from different places," she said.
Many have also expressed a desire to collaborate with her. To this, Rupa replied, "You don't necessarily have to join me. You can take the initiative in your own neighbourhood and start something similar on your own."
As the evening set in, Abdullah Al Mamun sat on a bench by the lake, reading the Bengali translation of Satoshi Yagisawa's Days at the Morisaki Bookshop. During our conversation, he said, "People live on through their deeds. Even when the person behind this initiative is no longer around, some might still remember her and say that she was the one who first placed bookcases in Dhanmondi Lake. I thank her for this wonderful initiative."
