New library with over a hundred books opens at Sirajnagar primary school in Keraniganj

The Keraniganj Bondhushava has set up a new library with more than a hundred educational books at the No. 93 Sirajnagar Government Primary School in Dhaka's Keraniganj. The school previously had no library at all, leaving pupils with no dedicated space for reading. With the new library, the children can now read a variety of books at school itself.

Members of the Bondhushava went to the school at midday on 24 October to formally launch the library's activities. The initiative was taken as part of the 'One Good Deed' programme marking the 28th founding anniversary of Prothom Alo. The move has delighted the school's teachers and students.

Afia Hossain, a fourth-grade pupil, said their school had never had a library before. Now they will be able to read many kinds of books. She wants all her school friends to read books too — an expectation from a young pupil that captures the purpose of the initiative.

Fifth-grader Sajjad Hossain said a great deal can be learned from reading books. Before, there was no separate place at school for reading; now that there is a library, they can read different books at school. He wants to read regularly and keep learning new things.

Assistant teacher Liton Hossain said their institution had no library. The Keraniganj Bondhushava has gifted them one, for which they are grateful. In his view, pupils will be able to gain much knowledge by reading the various educational books there.

Bondhushava member Mohona Akter said they collected books chosen to suit children. Special care was taken so the books match the children's ages and interests. They hope that reading will give the children joy, spark curiosity about new things, and make them want to read even more books on their own.

She added that if children befriend books from an early age, their thinking develops. With that in mind, the library has been stocked with carefully selected books, so that reading becomes a pleasure for the children rather than a burden.

Keraniganj Bondhushava president Naziullah Bhuiyan said the initiative aims to keep students away from mobile phones and draw them towards books. They want children to immerse themselves in the world of books in their free time instead of becoming addicted to mobile screens.

He said if the habit of reading is built from childhood, it turns into a regular reading habit as children grow up. With that goal, the library has begun its journey with more than a hundred books, he said.

Naziullah Bhuiyan added that their work does not end here. Regular reading circles will be organised with the students, so they can express their own thoughts after reading and grow even more interested in books.

Present at the event were former Keraniganj Bondhushava president Rebeka Sultana, current general secretary Arnab Saiful, members Sumaiya Akter and Nasima Begum, and other members of the organisation. Their presence gave the launch a festive air on the school premises.

The initiative has drawn local appreciation for bringing a library to a government primary school that had none. The question now is how lively the library can be kept through regular reading circles and new books, so that this new reading habit among Sirajnagar's children endures.