In the heart of Panjim lies a little
landmark that serves as a venue that always brings people together. From lazy
Sundays with The Original Bandstand to the annual Samba Square festivities,
Garcia de Orta is a meeting place for the old faithfuls and little caricatures
that dot the city. In an attempt to bring back the reading habit, the latest
attraction at hand at the famous garden is The Panjim Open Library.
Sujata Noronha of Bookworm, the driving force behind the
initiative says, “The Panjim Open Library is a collaborative effort of Panjim
First, Corporation of the City of Panjim and Bookworm. There are two ‘book
stops’ which have been permanently set up at Panjim’s Garcia de Orta. The
book-stop stocks on novels, magazines, newspapers and books for children.
Absolutely anyone is free to pick a book and enjoy a read in the garden or even
borrow it and return it back when they are done. We don’t register who borrows
the book. We simply trust and believe that the borrower will return it back
when they are done. It’s a wonderful way to encourage people to read and enjoy
the public spaces that exist in Panjim. We also encourage people to drop off
any extra books, novels or magazines they may have to the book stops in the
garden.”
Speaking more on the initiative, Sanjit Rodrigues,
Commissioner, CCP added, “Panjim is a beautiful and vibrant city. It has much
to offer in terms of architecture, gardens and public spaces. The people of
Panjim have always come forward to support the city in many ways. The Panjim
Open Library is one such wonderful idea which we are introducing to the people
of the city. People love to read and this is a lovely way to encourage reading
especially amongst children. The initiative is being launched at the Samba
Square this year.”
Adding to this, Vijay Hede, Managing Trustee, Panjim First
(a CII initiative) and Past Chairman, CII Goa Council, states “The Panjim Open
Library is part of a broader initiative which is to take books to the children.
We have already gathered close to 5000 books which are available at the Central
Library in Panjim. The idea of the Panjim Open Library came to me while I was
in Prague and came across such open libraries in public spaces. Panjim Open
Library has now set up two book stops in Garcia de Orta and will increase them
over a period of time. We are starting this initiative with a positive mind-set
and hope that people will support it.”
So while the merriment ensues, one place worth browsing
through amidst all the festivities, is the little centre for books and all
things literati, for truly it is a time to read, drink and be merry.
