Delhi Youth Built Free Libraries in Public Spaces — No Staff, No Fees, & 5000+ Readers So Far
If you’ve ever stacked away books thinking someone else could use them, you’re not alone. In Delhi, a bunch of young changemakers turned that thought into a full-blown grassroots campaign that puts books into the hands of thousands across the city without charging a single rupee.
Welcome to the Book in Hand Campaign (BHC India), an initiative so low on frills and high on trust, it may restore your faith in community-driven action.
Started in August 2023, BHC India is run by the CELL Foundation, a youth-led collective that has set up six free open book libraries across Delhi-NCR in parks, slums, and campuses, offering books to anyone who wants to read. No ID cards, no deposits, no overdue fines. Just name, number, address, and a shared belief that stories are meant to be shared.
The Book in Hand Campaign (BHC) was started in August 2023.
“We deeply believe that when something is done with the right intention and for the betterment of the community, it is bound to succeed, especially when it is rooted in trust and shared purpose,” say Pratik and Anurag, co-founders of the initiative.
Libraries without locks
The idea was born out of a simple observation: piles of books collecting dust on urban shelves, and students in neighbouring bastis unable to afford even a second-hand paperback.
“When you have books, ones you’ve already read, just sitting on your shelf, a thought naturally arises: What if someone else who truly wants to read, but can’t afford books, could get access to them?” the team recalls.
That spark lit the first library in Gandhi Vihar – a park where, every Sunday, students and local residents could borrow a book. Since then, BHC has expanded to Vijay Nagar, Delhi University’s Faculty of Arts, DU Women’s Association, and even children’s libraries in Patrachar Basti and Sanjay Basti, reaching readers across ages and income groups.
The trust economy
In a world used to receipts and penalties, it’s natural to wonder: don’t books just… disappear?
Surprisingly, no.
BHC now operates in 6 locations across Delhi NCR and has over 5000 readers.
“We initially assumed there might be around 10% loss or damage,” say Pratik and Anurag, “But after two years, we’ve found that the rate of unreturned books is only around three to four percent. Some do come back late, but they do return, and that’s a sign. When we trust others, they respond with trust too.”
It helps that these libraries are more than just pop-up stalls. They’re part of weekly routines. Families come with children. Elderly people browse titles slowly. DU students swing by after lectures. Readers start as curious passersby and end up becoming regular borrowers.
“One of the most heartening observations has been seeing people who initially visit casually — just accompanying friends — end up borrowing a book, and gradually develop an interest in reading,” they add.
A movement without money
Unlike many well-meaning campaigns that struggle to scale without grants or backing, BHC India has managed to grow organically. It began with 200 books donated by friends. Then, the team pooled in personal savings and went scouring Delhi’s old book markets. Slowly, the collection swelled.
The initiative started with 200 donated books and now has a collection of over 2500 books.
“Over time, we’ve been receiving books from our readers, well-wishers, and a few organisations,” say Pratik and Anurag. “Since this is a community-driven effort, we continue to appeal for support from everyone.”
Today, the BHC collection has crossed 2,500 books. The libraries have reached more than 5,000 readers — school kids, college-goers, parents, and even adults who never had a chance to read.
Books that change lives
What powers this campaign is the stories. Like the young girl who borrowed her first Hindi storybook and now visits the Sanjay Basti library every week. Or college students who say the initiative has reduced their screen time and helped their mental health.
Some visitors even take books home for elderly family members, a quiet joy when reading never seemed like an option.
“The majority of our readers are young people. They’ve told us how BHC has allowed them to read titles they may never have been able to afford. And many are now developing the habit of reading on diverse subjects,” say Pratik and Anurag.
One of the most touching stories comes from Aditi, a volunteer with BHC.
“Joining the BHC library was a special and full experience for me. Initially, there was a desire to work for society, but gradually it became a medium of self-development. It was pleasant to see children learn, doing creative activities, and flying their imaginations. Here I learned patience, teamwork, and leadership. The most memorable moment was when a girl said, ‘Didi, now I like books.’ This journey was not just service, but also an experience of self-satisfaction and purpose, which will always be with me.”
Borrowing a book from BHC does not require any membership. Just your official ID and phone number will allow the individual to borrow a book.
For Praval, another dedicated volunteer, the journey began with curiosity and ended in commitment.
“I first came across BHC through a pamphlet in North Campus. I was fascinated by the idea of a library offering free books to read. After visiting and borrowing a book myself, I felt inspired to contribute. As a book lover, seeing people come in, choose a book, and walk away with joy gives me immense satisfaction. That’s what keeps me coming back as a volunteer.”
Challenges? Oh yes!
Running a library outdoors, with no roof or door, is manageable — until the monsoons roll in.
“All our libraries operate under open skies,” Pratik and Anurag explain. “So during summer and monsoon seasons, we often have to either risk damage to books due to rain or heat, or temporarily close the library.”
Then there’s the struggle for good-quality Hindi books. With many readers preferring Hindi, the team finds itself constantly short of titles that cater to this demand, especially for children and early readers in bastis.
But ask them what keeps them going, and the answer is clear: “BHC India is not just a project, it is a mission and a vision we are deeply committed to.”
Big dreams with grounded roots
The campaign’s vision isn’t limited to Delhi. Pratik and Anurag are already thinking big: “We want to see BHC India grow into a movement — one that not only spreads across the country but also reaches corners of the world where people are still deprived of access to books and learning.”
That said, they don’t want to lose the essence. “It’s equally important to us that the initiative always stays connected to the spirit it began with: trust, community, and easy access.”
Which means, even if this grows into a nationwide network, it will still feel like that little library in the park where someone welcomes you with a smile and asks, “What kind of book are you looking for today?”
A bookmark of hope
At a time when education is commodified, and digital fatigue is rising, BHC India is doing something refreshingly analogue — putting a book in your hand and asking nothing in return.
It’s not flashy. It doesn’t have celebrity endorsements. But its impact is undeniable. Thousands of people, many holding a library book for the first time in their lives, are reading. And thinking. And growing.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas make the biggest difference. And in a city of 20 million, six open-air libraries may seem small. But the ripple effect? That’s the real story.
As 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.”
Edited by Vidya Gowri Venkatesh; All images courtesy BHC
News