@freelibsnet.bsky.social
Let’s reform Indian public libraries into FREE, ANTICASTE and FEMINIST libraries for all. #ReadingIsResistance www.fln.org.in
The INDIA STREET LETTERING campaign is so close to Stretch Goal #3 — only $60 away from @blaft.bsky.social matching all book donations pledged to @freelibsnet.bsky.social 📚 That means double the copies will go to free libraries around India.
Help us get there ➡️ www.kickstarter.com/projects/bla...
🎉Stretch Goal 3 unlocked!🎉
Huge thanks to all backers, espeically to everyone who donated a copy to @freelibsnet.bsky.social! We're matching each donation 1:1, which means we're now up to 106 copies of @matratype.bsky.social's book for Indian libraries!
www.kickstarter.com/projects/bla...
Lending libraries. These weren’t the institutions that folx in more developed economies might expect: buildings in which one could go to read, and to borrow books to take home.
(Aside: a reason I am a fan of @freelibsnet.bsky.social is that they aim to make libraries available to all.)
Did you know you can donate copies of INDIA STREET LETTERING to the Free Libraries Network @freelibsnet.bsky.social when you support the project www.kickstarter.com/projects/bla...? Let’s get that number up from 24 📚🚀
29.06.2025 13:16 — 👍 5 🔁 8 💬 0 📌 0
Poster with map of Scotland that reads 'Why libraries matter. Final report: The value and impact of Scotland's public libraries.'
Text on orange poster reads: We surveyed 2,000 library users across Scotland. You told us about: How invaluable library staff are The financial relief libraries afford An endless variety in community activity within your libraries A safe and welcoming space for marginalised identities
Poster with a closed sign at the top. It reads: 'Our research indicates that 1 in 8 of Scotland's public libraries have closed between 2008 and 2024. That's 97 libraries.
The copy of this poster is a list of recommendations based on the research Scottish Book Trust has produced. The copy reads: 'Our recommendations: 1. Scottish Government publishes a legal definition of what an 'adequate' public library service is 2. Scottish Government empowers local authorities with sufficient funding and resources 3. Local authorities train and support their librarians 4. Local authorities publish annual reports that detail their library provision 5. Public libraries are supported to develop a service improvement culture 6. More members of the public engage with their local library'
Why does your library matter to you? ❤️📚
We asked 2,000 Scots that question and this is what they told us: www.scottishbooktrust.com/our-research...
This was a fun chat to do with my saathi Shivam. It went by in a flash and I don’t recall much of it. There was, at some point, a giant cat in the chat room. Watch!
Also check out the fundraiser for USbased folks in the thread below.
Additionally, please see this US-based fundraiser for our grassroots library collective, being organised by @gauravsabnis.bsky.social bsky.app/profile/gaur...
24.05.2025 02:48 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0In the talk we give a shoutout to the American Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social and reference former president @edrabinski.bsky.social - we may be halfway across the globe from each other, but our struggles and mission are the same. #SupportPublicLibraries #FreeLibraries4All
24.05.2025 02:48 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
The Silicon Valley Rotary e-Club invited us to talk about the grassroots free library movement in India and why it is vital in these current times to ramp up our support for public libraries everywhere. #Watch
youtu.be/W-gSoOwsBOY
Doing a USA fundraiser for
@freelibsnet.bsky.social which does a great job running community libraries across India, with a focus on underprivileged kids.🧵
ONLY for donors in US. If you live in India, you can donate directly.
Goal is $4K. I'm giving $500 so $3500 remains. Please help! /1
Full Video 🎥 of FLNs panel discussion on the Right To Read is out now!
Watch! youtu.be/2Cngs7LkCiw?...
Thank you ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽
12.03.2025 00:18 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0if you do one thing this weekend, check out the Free Libraries Network and the fantastic work they do. give them all your spare cash and then some more, they'll put it to good use *and* you can get cool art or books or workshops with authors and artists. what's not to love
bsky.app/profile/free...
for real, how could anyone resist these adorable mini paintings by the immensely talented Priya Kuriyan (originals! signed! for a good cause!)
pkuriyan.blogspot.com/2025/02/free...
Free libraries are a matter of right! We need your help to make that reality. We provide books, librarianship workshops, reading curricula and leadership training for grassroots libraries across India. Image of a young woman reading a book in a sunlit library with large windows. In her background is a 6foot tall stand with the preamble to the Indian Constitution
Free Libraries Network works tirelessly to support and advocate for free, public-access, feminist, and anti-caste libraries for all, libraries that guarantee equal access to reading, learning and information resources, particularly to members of communities which have traditionally faced barriers to inclusion. Lefthand Image: A group of boys ages 5-7 are huddled over a picture book. The camera captures a top-angle view of this huddle. Right hand image: A girl aged 10 years reaches for a book on the tallest bookshelf in a library that has ceiling to floor bookshelves. The camera captures her back, stretching for the top.
Library Love stays open another week (until 15th March), and we hope that many of you will take advantage of the many generous offers pledged by our supporters and help us reach our goals: which are, simply, staying afloat and doing the work that needs to be done. Left hand image: A young girl aged 14 or 15 is seated on a mooda and reads to 2 other smaller girls, who are enraptured. They seem to be sitting outside a red-walled building. Right hand image: Boys on opposite ends of a see saw are each reading books. Another boy behind the see saw is sitting on another playground swing, reading as well.
Five more days to show the library love! To see all the offers, please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/ Left hand image: A group of children aged 5-7 years are huddled over a picture book propped on top of a stuffed toy (tortoise). They have face masks on as the picture was taken during Covid lockdown in Spiti Valley Right Hand image: In a mud-walled village library a group of adults are having a deep discussion. Next to them a smaller group of readers is seated at a low table, reading. They are surrounded by books & bookshelves.
It's not over yet!
You have helped us reach a quarter of our annual needs to do what we do best - support grassroots libraries and fight for the #righttoread!
Do scroll through our feed to find offers that grab your fancy. Scan the QR code to claim it now. Library Love closes on March 15th, 2025.
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 4 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Manjul Bajaj Seja Mehta Soumya Mukerji Arundhathi Subramaniam In the centre is this text: Workshops In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 3000, you and up to seven other donors get an online two-hour short story writing workshop with Manjul Bajaj. Arundhathi Subramaniam is offering you and nine others an online conversation around writing on the life of a spiritual seeker for a donation of INR 3000 each. For a donation of INR 5000, you can join an interactive two part workshop to explore tools, research and structure that goes into writing about nature/science with Sejal Mehta. For a donation of INR 3,000, Soumya Mukerji invites you to a virtual Creative Cultures Salon on articulating convergent and digital cultures with words and creative imagination. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #ForWorkshops
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 5 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Jane Borges Maya Sharma Sriram Tarana Husain Khan Andaleeb Wajid Unmana In the centre is this text: Workshops In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 2500, Jane Borges will do a 90-minute talk about my craft and the subjects of her work over Zoom. For a donation of INR 3000, Maya Sharma Sriram will do a writing workshop for you and nine others over two zoom sessions. For a donation of INR 3000 you may attend Tarana Husain Khan’s two hour workshop on writing historical fiction – 'Plot it and Pen It'. For a donation of ₹5000, Andaleeb Wajid is offering a one-hour workshop on self-publishing on Amazon KDP and how it differs from traditional publishing. For a donation of INR 3000, you can join an online workshop with Unmana on finishing your first novel. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #ForWorkshops
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 3 illustrations. Below each is the person’s name: Rajiv Eipe Manjula Padmanabhan Gynelle Alves In the centre is this text: Artwork In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR Rs. 5000, Rajiv Eipe is offering an original pencil drawing (1 double spread or 2 single pages) from one of his recently published picture books or comics. For a donation of INR 3000, Manjula Padmanabhan will send you an original piece of digital art, inspired by a word or concept. For a donation of INR 5500, Gynelle Alves would love you to consider a choice of personalized illustrations bright and happy in ink and watercolour for you or someone you love. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #ForArtLovers
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 2 illustrations of people. Below each is the person’s name: Nadika Nadja Rajiv Eipe & Peter Griffin In the centre is this text: Original Work In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
Get original art by Rajiv Eipe and a poem by Peter Griffin for INR 5000. For a donation of INR 4000, Nadika Nadja will write a unique short story featuring you or a loved/unloved one, in a genre of your choice. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have fabulous offers open #ForOriginalWorkFeaturingYou
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 2 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Bijal Vachharajani Jerry Pinto At the top is this text: Feedback on MS In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 5000, Bijal Vachharajani will offer feedback on your picture book manuscript and a 20 minute Zoom call discussion. Jerry Pinto will give you detailed feedback and edit notes on your book-length manuscript if you donate INR 50,000. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have fabulous offers open #ForWritersWithManuscripts
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 3 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Srilata K Aditi Rao Pervin Saket In the centre is this text: Poetry In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 2000, you and nine other donors will get a three hour poetry workshop over zoom with Srilata K. For a donation of INR 4,000, you will get access to Aditi Rao’s 6-part self-paced poetry course online on The Make Space. For a donation of INR 3000, you and four other donors will receive detailed feedback on a set of three poems each from Pervin Saket. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #ForPoets
#ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 6 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Kiran Manral Tashan Mehta Ranjini Rao Anindita Ghose Shutapa Paul वन्दना यादव In the centre is this text: One-on-one sessions In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For INR 3000, Kiran Manral will do a 30-minute Zoom call on writing strategies or publishing queries. For INR 2000, Ranjini Rao is offering a 15-minute chat on your writing project. For INR 10,000, chat with Anindita Ghose on tools to finish your first novel. For INR 2,500, get 1-hour of brand consultancy, public speaking, or writing (one-on-one) session with Shutapa Paul. 5500 रूपए डोनेट करने पर 30 मिनिट तक लेखन पर सलाह अथवा बातचीत वंदना यादव के साथ और उनकी एक हस्ताक्षरित किताब भी | For INR 5000, get a one-hour artist-to-artist chat with Tashan Mehta. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #ForWritersByWriters. #ClaimYours Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
08.03.2025 15:30 — 👍 0 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 4 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Anjum Hasan Shiv Ramdas Anil Menon Avtar Singh In the centre is this text: Feedback on your story In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
Get personal detailed critique of any short story you want by Shiv Ramdas for a donation of INR 5000. For INR 4000, Anjum Hasan will constructively critique a piece of your writing. Anil Menon is offering detailed editorial comments on three short stories or the first 20,000 words of a novel for INR 10,000 For INR 15,000, Avtar Singh will take a close look at your prose work in progress (short story, essay), and suggest a way forward. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #StoryWriters. #ClaimYoursNow Support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
08.03.2025 14:30 — 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 6 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Menaka Raman Likla & Kripa Adithi Rao Samina Mishra In the centre is this text: For kids In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 5000, Menaka Raman will do an interactive online reading session from one of her books for a young person and their friends. You will get a spot on Likla and Kripa’s in-person workshop inspired by the work of Somnath Hore for INR 5000. For a donation of INR 3000, Adithi Rao will facilitate a 3 hour writing workshop for children on the three key aspects of building a powerful story. Get an online poetry-writing workshop for children between 10-14 years on a weekend in May with Samina Mishra for a donation of INR 2500. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India.
The fundraiser is in its last week and we have some fabulous offers #ForKids that are still open.
#ClaimYoursNow & support free libraries everywhere!: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
The image is a poster with several elements. On a blue background, there are several elements of a flyer. There are 2 photographs of people. Below each is the person’s name: Gautam Bhatia Shabnam Minwalla At the top is this text: Name a character In a band across the bottom are two logos. On the left, one logotype has a stylised image of three books on a shelf and next to it, the name of the organisation, Free Libraries Network, India & South Asia in dark blue letters. On the right, the second logotype, which has a stylised image of a blue gift box opening and little red book flying out of it, and the name of the campaign, Library Love.
For a donation of INR 5,000, Gautam Bhatia will name a character in his next novel after you or a person of your choice. For a donation of INR 4,000, Shabnam Minwalla will name a character in a book after you or someone else and give you a personalised signed copy. Below that, a QR Code, and these words: To claim this offer (and view all the other offers), please scan this code, or go to https://www.fln.org.in/librarylove/
Our Library Love fundraiser had artists, writers & literary stars join to strengthen grassroots libraries across India. The fundraiser is in its last week. We still have some fabulous offers open #NameACharacter. #ClaimYoursNow: www.fln.org.in/librarylove
08.03.2025 06:30 — 👍 2 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 0
Scannable QR code with takes you to the Library Love fundraiser website. Text below it says: To claim any Library Love offer scan this code of go to www.fln.org.in/librarylove
Support our Library Love fundraiser.
The love is radical. Your support is invaluable.
In a small bare-walled room, a group of children aged 15-5yrs sit in a circle and read together. The oldest boy holds up a picture book. The others listen intently. Everyone is absorbed in the book. The library space is very basic. We can’t even see any other books in the image. It is not a rich library by any means.
…safe, warm & welcoming spaces to read, think and share ideas together.
Public libraries in India must first & foremost, think about every thinker who has been ignored and even violently kept away from reading - and then prioritise their needs.
📸 Kutumb Foundation, Uttar Pradesh
A grey haired librarian smiles and reads to a little girl of 5-6years. They’re both reading Tokato Ki Rangeen Duniya and look like they’re thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Public libraries aren’t for those who’re already ahead of the curve as a fallout of unjust privileges of caste, class, gender or ability.
Their job is to make reading accessible by all means necessary.
To give the people FREE reading & literacy progs, abundant books, digi access…
📸 TCLP, Delhi
Two children are huddled over an “accessible” book customised for visually impaired readers. An older girl in pigtails, black rimmed spectacles and a bright green tshirt guides the fingers of another reader who is younger, has shirt hair and wears a yellow collared shirt. They’re both reading the book with their fingers, together.
Our member-organisations show us every day and in every way, that the Right To Read, when delivered, can transform entire generations.
Everyone is a thinker. And if you’re a thinker you deserve the Right To Read.
📸 Chetana Trust, ARM Library, Chennai
