List of Children Libraries in Mumbai

Reading HOUR

Reema Gehi explores some libraries which specifically cater to kids

Librarian Christine D’Souza believes reading is an essential char acter building exercise for children and libraries are the best place to introduce children to this habit. To encourage this, D’Souza suggests combining innovative activities with books. She says, “I often have theme weeks, which urge children to read the works of a young author.” Bookmarks, cover designs and sketches of characters invite them to use their imagination.

J N Petit Institute Library, Fort

The old British architecture and the high ceilings of the more than century-old-structure leave you in awe. The colossal space is used up with many sections devoted to books. The library also has a massive reading hall. Recently it has revamped its entire children section.

Membership fees: Rs 180 as individual fees for three months. A family membership (including a couple and two children) for a fee of Rs 1,200 for three months – with a deposit of Rs 500 and an admission fee of Rs 300.

Time: 7 am to 8.30 pm (closed on Sundays and public holidays)

Call: 2202 5887

Nehru Centre Library, Worli

The semicircular-shaped library is situated below the famous Nehru planetarium. The library was founded in 1976. The Nehru Centre reference library has over the years specialised in helping students for their school projects.

They provide and photocopy all the material needed. A record number of 40, 000 education based books are available on various subjects from science and literature to management. It is run by librariancum-documentation officer

Arati Desai who believes that libraries are constantly evolving. She hopes to build a separate area within the space, which will be dedicated to children’s books.

Membership fees: Free entry 11 am to 4.30 Time: pm (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)

Call: 2498 3921

British Council of India Library, Nariman Point

This state-of-the-art lending library of the BritishCouncil of India has moved three venues since the time it was first established in 1953.

From the French Bank building at Horniman Circle to NKM international house near the LIC building at Marine Lines before finally settling at Mittal Towers at Nariman Point.

The library has a collection of 40,000 books with almost 6000 dedicated to the children’s section in a separate quarter. Last year to nurture the children’s reading habits, the British Council located at Nariman Point also organised various activities for the young readers including Reading Challenge in which they enacted and drew characters from stories.

Apart from the finest collection of books, the library also has periodicals and newspapers from the U K.

Membership fees:

Information available on request.

Time:

10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sunday, Monday and selected public holidays)

Call:

2279 0187, 2279 0101

Shemaroo Library, Kemp’s Corner

The tiny circulating library is tucked away amidst high-end branded stores in Kemps Corner. You’ll find everything from the classic Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds to Indian contemporary writers Bharati Mukherjee’s Desirable Daughters and children’s must-read Enid Blyton books. The library was established in 1962. It comprises three levels – a basement (the entire area is dedicated to children’s books and educational gaming CDs), the ground floor filled with novels, periodicals, classics, fiction writings and the mezzanine floor occupied with bestsellers.

Membership fees: deposit fee of Rs 800. The rate to borrow a book is 10 percent of its price.

Time: 10 am to 8.30 pm and Sundays between 11.30 am and 6 pm

Toy land library

An initiative by Hemali Gada at Malad. The library started four years ago , in addition to children’s books by Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Norman Bridwell and Kevin Henkes, Gada also provides children with board games and toys.

Membership: Rs 150 for 12 items.

Timings: Wednesday 3 pm to 5. 30 pm, Friday 4.30 pm to 7 pm and alternate Sundays from 10 am to 12 pm

Call: 9224598850

URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=07_03_2008_547_003&typ=0&pub=264