Young readers’ tramcar library to start rolling on Children’s Day in Kolkata – THE WEEK

The young readers’ tramcar library, perhaps the first of its kind in the world, is set to start rolling on Saturday in Kolkata, on the occasion of Children’s Day.

A joint venture of West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC), which runs the country’s only functional tramways, and Apeejay Anand Children’s Library, the tramcar library aims to give free access to children of various age groups to pick and read their favourite books while on the move.

The library on wheels has been decorated with attractive artworks of children reading, hand-painted by local artists, according to a WBTC official.

Oxford Bookstores has curated a unique selection of titles and literature for various young reading age groups for the tramcar library. Year-long activities for children onboard the tramcar, such as story-telling, dramatised readings, poetry sessions and book launches will be organised to captivate young minds, Oxford Bookstores director Maina Bhagat said.

WBTC managing director Rajanvir Singh Kapur and Priti Paul, director of Apeejay Surrendra Group, will virtually launch the ‘Kolkata Young Readers’ Tramcar’ on Saturday.

“The idea behind the Kolkata Young Readers’ Tramcar is that all children should get access to read good books and what better than the Kolkata trams,” Kapur said.

The tram would run on Shyambazar-Esplanade and Esplanade-Gariahat routes spanning north and south Kolkata and children up to 18 years would get a free ride on it.

Kapur said people aged more than 18 years can also use the facility for normal AC tram fares.