It’s freezing, and you’ve probably finished all those books at home, curled up in your quilt. Now what? Don’t worry, there’s a book exchange programme in town. Kitaab Aur Aap, which takes place today, allows you to bring along some books you have read and take home titles of your choice, free of cost.
Organised by Anjali Dhawan, 54, an avid traveller, and Nihal Parashar, 24, a student — both bookmates — the day-long programme is expected to have 300-400 books of different genres — from pulp fiction, romance and thriller to classics such as Gone With The Wind and The Fountainhead. “I am an avid reader and have a huge collection of Mills and Boon, Jeffery Archer and Robert Ludlum that youngsters would love to read,” says Dhawan who’ll be bringing along more than 200 books.
Apart from the popular fiction category, there will be books on Urdu literature, Punjabi, astrology, philosophy and science. “It’s great to share books with friends. Even if a guest has not donated, they are still free to take home a book of their choice. No strings attached,” says Parashar.
Apart from exchanging books, the guests can also sing a song of their choice, share their favourite poetry and share lots of makeup and hair styling tips.
Young book lovers are looking forward to more such initiatives. “I loved reading Almost Single by Advaita Kala and would love to share it with the group,” says Sonal Arora, 29, a marketing professional. "It’s a great chance to try reading new authors without spending money," says Chinmayee Atre, 24.
Social media is also abuzz with posts of enthusiastic readers who are eager to participate. “I don’t think I can muster enough courage to part with my reads yet. But I will start with a chick-lit. I would really appreciate if somebody could bring a philosophical read or autobiography (sic)," wrote Sushmita on the event’s online page. “We have got enthusiastic responses from almost 100 readers in the city so far. If there’s a good turnout this time, we might organise this meet every two months on popular demand,” says Dhawan.
What: Kitaab Aur Aap (Book Exchange Programme)
When: January 6
Timings: 1 to 5pm
Where: Cultural Centre- What’s Up Bharat, 1, Hauz Khas Village
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas on the Yellow Line
Apart from exchanging books, the guests can also sing a song of their choice, share their favourite poetry and share lots of makeup and hair styling tips.
Young book lovers are looking forward to more such initiatives. “I loved reading Almost Single by Advaita Kala and would love to share it with the group,” says Sonal Arora, 29, a marketing professional. "It’s a great chance to try reading new authors without spending money," says Chinmayee Atre, 24.
Social media is also abuzz with posts of enthusiastic readers who are eager to participate. “I don’t think I can muster enough courage to part with my reads yet. But I will start with a chick-lit. I would really appreciate if somebody could bring a philosophical read or autobiography (sic)," wrote Sushmita on the event’s online page. “We have got enthusiastic responses from almost 100 readers in the city so far. If there’s a good turnout this time, we might organise this meet every two months on popular demand,” says Dhawan.
What: Kitaab Aur Aap (Book Exchange Programme)
When: January 6
Timings: 1 to 5pm
Where: Cultural Centre- What’s Up Bharat, 1, Hauz Khas Village
Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas on the Yellow Line