A quiet revolution is unfolding in Mehrauli

Tucked near the centuries-old Jahaz Mahal and Shamsi Talaab, the Mehrauli Community Library (MCL) is a quiet revolution in its own right — a place where anyone, regardless of background, can read, learn, and grow. Opened in April 2022, just as Delhi’s schools reopened after the prolonged pandemic closure, MCL is part of the Free Libraries Network, a movement inspired by The Community Library Project, an anti-caste initiative that promotes free, public access to books and learning.

The idea takes root

“I had been working for years with social purpose organisations, focusing on skill development and worker entitlements,” says Orlanda Ruthven, co-founder of MCL. “But when COVID hit, everything stopped. Suddenly, we were all looking at our neighbourhood differently — confined, yet noticing things we had never seen before.”

During her walks through Mehrauli’s Archaeological Park, Ruthven came across children from the nearby Gosia Colony, left adrift by the digital divide. “I saw the difference between my daughters, who were attending online classes for hours, and these government school children, who had lost months of learning,” she recalls. “That disparity really struck me.”

Along with co-founder Anupriya Khare, Ruthven began taking books from another community library where she volunteered and carrying them into the colony for informal storytelling sessions. “We’d find a quiet spot, call the children around, and start reading,” she says. “By early 2022, we decided to rent a small space and make it permanent.”

Building a space for everyone

What started as a small effort has now grown into a vibrant community hub. At MCL, weekly read-aloud sessions help children build confidence, while access to computers and the internet bridges the learning gaps that widened during the pandemic. Over time, these activities have evolved into a full calendar of events for children and young adults.

Storytelling sessions are often followed by art and craft activities related to the story, helping children express themselves creatively. Sundays are reserved for workshops, film screenings, music sessions, and community gatherings that bring together both children and parents, allowing families to experience learning in a joyful and engaging way.

Trust and empowerment

For Mahima, who manages the library’s daily operations, the work is as much about building trust as it is about books. “In the beginning, many parents didn’t understand what a library was,” she explains. “We’d do community walks, invite them to visit the library, and slowly they began to see how much their children were learning — not just academically, but in confidence and communication.”

MCL also runs a leadership programme that encourages children to take part in the running of the library. Older students help with cataloguing, issuing books, and organising small events. “We want the community itself to manage the library in the future,” Mahima adds. “It’s not just about reading; it’s about ownership and empowerment.”

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Bridging the digital divide

The digital wing of the library is handled by Asif, a local resident who first came to MCL as a student and is now part of the team. “I had seen many libraries in Mehrauli, but none that were free,” he says. “Here, students not only get books, they get a space to think, learn, and grow. I started by volunteering and now teach basic computer skills to help close the digital divide.”

Thanks to his efforts, many children who had never used a computer before can now type, research, and explore online resources with confidence.

A library built on generosity

MCL’s collection thrives on generosity and collaboration. The shelves are filled with books donated by families, publishers, and members of the Free Libraries Network. Many titles come from publishing houses that support free-access initiatives, while others arrive through household donations.

The library offers a wide range of books — from picture books and comics to classic literature, biographies, and educational reference materials. Volunteers ensure that books are regularly rotated to keep the collection fresh and engaging for readers of all ages.

A space where stories and people meet

Run entirely on individual donations, the Mehrauli Community Library continues to thrive through the collective efforts of its founders, volunteers, and local residents. It is more than just a room full of books — it is a warm, welcoming space where children discover stories, build friendships, and learn skills that go beyond the classroom.

“It’s not just a library,” says Ruthven with a smile. “It’s a space where stories and people find each other.”