Let's Open a Book

Creating a nation of critical readers (Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India).

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

So, what makes it all worth it? “There are moments when you look at a child and you know that a book you are reading to them has touched them somewhere,” @RuchiDhona says. “Nothing else matters. In that moment, you know that this is a child who has been changed in some way.”

[Condé Nast Traveller @CNTIndia]

So far, about a hundred locals have made their way to the tiny library to spend time amidst books. But the journey has been no mean feat. #SpitiValley

https://t.co/WObNHBVp0g

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Because reading is serious business!

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

It was such an honour to receive a letter of appreciation from Shri Jeewan Singh Negi, Additional Director at Directorate of School Education, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The letter recognises our years of work and impact in Spiti Valley.

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Please congratulate our library member Shiwangi on completing the 100 Books Challenge 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

@virjeshEdu Thank you!

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Please congratulate our library members - Gautam, Vishal, Parash, Prayaan, Aryan and Samriti on completing the 100 Books Challenge 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[virjesh Singh @virjeshEdu]

@LetsOpenABook Admirable work. Best wishes for this amazing work for fostering the joy of reading among children.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

You can support Chanderkanta Ji and other determined women like her by making a contribution on our crowdfunding campaign: https://t.co/GrFtAaHx3h or by sending us a gift via Amazon: https://t.co/fAju3ejkAd

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

P.S. That's Chanderkanta Ji and I, in her apple orchard, where she lovingly tends to her plants.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

Talking to her makes me realise that the library doesn’t just benefit the children that we serve, but everyone else associated with it. It is also about people like Chanderkanta Ji and their journeys.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

Talking to her makes me realise that the library doesn’t just benefit the children that we serve, but everyone else associated with it. It is also about people like Chanderkanta Ji and their journeys.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

“Before I joined the library as a librarian, I regretted not making use of my education because my parents worked so hard to pay for it. But I don’t feel like that anymore. I look forward to coming to the library everyday - it gives me a sense of direction, of purpose”, she says.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

Chanderkanta ji recently shared that growing up her family struggled to make ends meet. Despite that, her parents ensured that she studied as much as she wanted to.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

She has amazed me with the amount of learning that she has managed to do on the job and how she’s always ready to go above and beyond. She is super dependable and treats everyone with kindness and compassion. Seeing her grow professionally has been one of my greatest joys.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

Now, 8 months later, Chanderkanta Ji has become an indispensable part of our library. She arrives before everyone else does, is always smiling, and makes everyone feel right at home.

[Ruchi Dhona @RuchiDhona]

I first met Chanderkanta Ji 8 months ago. She was curious about the librarian vacancy at our Manali library. And even though she holds a B.Ed. degree, she was super hesitant because she hadn’t had a job in over 15 years. But she decided to give it a shot anyway.

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Please congratulate our library member Advika on completing the 200 Books Challenge! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

@arpitaswrites Thank you! 🙂

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Please congratulate our library members Teena, Krishma and Aayan on completing the 100 Books Challenge 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[😷 @arpitaswrites]

@LetsOpenABook Wow!! This is so awesome and inspiring!

[Let's Open a Book @LetsOpenABook]

Our very first movie screening was so much fun!! We watched Despicable Me. The screen was tiny and the space cramped, but we still had a fantastic time 😎