Sat Mar 01 02:18:26 UTC 2025: ## Thoraipakkam Community Library Celebrates a Decade of Fostering Young Minds
**Thoraipakkam, March 1, 2025** – Bookspace, a community library located in Thoraipakkam, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Initially housed in a neglected space, the library has transformed into a vibrant hub for young readers, showcasing the power of community engagement and a love for books.
From its humble beginnings in 2015, Bookspace has overcome challenges, including a period where young residents themselves stepped in to manage the library during a shortage of librarians. Teenagers and young adults volunteered their time, demonstrating their dedication to keeping the library open and accessible.
The library’s design actively promotes reduced screen time, featuring a dedicated children’s section equipped with comfortable seating to encourage on-site reading. While younger children are regular visitors, the library aims to engage older children who are increasingly drawn to screens. To achieve this, Bookspace hosts a variety of engaging activities, including a weekly book club with storytelling sessions and games, as well as regular quizzes, drawing, painting, and essay-writing contests.
In the past, the community also published a monthly newsletter, “Boulevard Buzz,” showcasing the creative work of young residents. Although paused during the pandemic, there are plans to revive this initiative. Future plans for Bookspace include introducing audiobook sessions while maintaining a strong focus on physical books, and implementing projector-based storytelling sessions led by volunteers.
Shyamala, a volunteer, highlights the importance of the library as a space for both reading and community interaction: “Books can shape young minds, but it is the space and conversations around them that create lasting memories.” The success of Bookspace stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading amongst the younger generation.
First Piper 