It is sad news. The mobile library programme run by the Bishwa Shahitya Kendro (BSK) has been temporarily suspended. Run under a project for more than two decades, the programme gained huge popularity. Books carried in minivans were transported to different places across the country. Readers assembled near the vans to collect their desired books at the scheduled time. Many of them staged protests demanding the continuation of the mobile library.
The mobile library programme has served for 25 years to enhance the nation's intellectual and cultural development. With 76 vehicles, it served 3,200 spots as small libraries. Some 500,000 regular and irregular readers used the mobile library. When libraries are dying and readers of books are declining, the mobile library is a ray of hope for many.
The programme, however, required a good amount of money. The BSK could not bear the entire expenses, so it depended on sponsorships. In the past six years, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has provided financial assistance for the mobile library under a two-year phase project. After completing the first phase, the ministry extended its support twice, each for two years. The third phase ended on December 31, 2024. The BSK is compelled to suspend the programme because the ministry has yet to extend the project. It is, however, hopeful that it will resume the programme soon. The programme has created enough enthusiasm among children. Many of them have developed a reading habit against the trend of smartphone browsing. These young readers must not be compelled to bring a premature end to their reading habit. The interim government must pay attention to this and extend support to continue the mobile library. Moreover, some private entities like corporate houses should also bear partial expenses. It will help reduce government financing. The BSK also needs to evaluate the outcome of the programme and redesign it, if required.
Biplob Hossain
Dhaka