Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Trust Libraries Revolutionize Delhi

In a city bustling with over 20 million people, a youth-led revolution is quietly reshaping access to books with an open-air library movement known as the Book in Hand Campaign (BHC). Imagine libraries without fees, deposits, or paperwork—just a shared love for reading. Founded in August 2023 by the CELL Foundation, these creative hubs spring to life in Delhi-NCR’s parks and campuses, bridging the gap between dusty bookshelves and eager readers. The initiative thrives on the idea that ‘stories are meant to be shared,’ and surprisingly, only 3-4% of books ever go missing. With 2,500 books shared among 5,000 or more readers, BHC is not just changing lives but transforming communities. As co-founders Pratik and Anurag put it, “You don’t need to build a library with walls. Sometimes, all you need is a bench, a few books, and trust in the people you’re serving.”

Be The Change

Donate your pre-loved books to a local community initiative, or create a small book exchange corner in your neighborhood to encourage reading.