Mirza Maryam is inaugurating the 12th library in the name of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Given that she set up the first Mohalla library on 8 January 2021 in the balcony of her own house, the growth of her project is phenomenal.

In no time, more than 300 books in a small cupboard had become the centre of attraction for the entire locality. Children could take any book to their home for reading for free. The doors of this library were open between 5 to 6 pm.

Maryam Mirza

Mirza Maryam and her father Mirza Abdul Qayyum noticed that the children were taking a lot of interest in books. It was from here that the mission of opening Mohalla libraries in the poor settlements of Aurangabad started.

Their slogan 'You give me 5000 rupees, I will give you a library' has since turned into a movement.

Maryam says that out of Rs 5,000 donated or pooled in a neighbourhood, she buys a cupboard for stacking the book for Rs 2,000 and books worth Rs 3000. Children are made in charge of book allocation and maintenance of the library.

Maryam is a sixth-grader in Iqra Primary School, Aurangabad. From a very young age, Maryam was fond of reading books. Whenever she went to her father’s book shop she would bring home some books of her choice. Gradually, she had a stock of 156 books.

Abdul Qayoom Mirza in his book shop

On Children's Day on November 14, Maryam's father gifted her 150 books. This single bulk helped Maryam turn her dream of starting a library for children into a reality.

The interest of the children can be gauged from the fact that Nadeem, a four-five-year-old child, waits for the library to open, to borrow a book although he is too young to read.Maryam says once she asked Nadeem that does he take the books since he is too young to read these. He told her that he gives the book to his grandmother, who then reads the stories for him.

Dedicated to Peoples' President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam

It was his grandmother who would send him to get a fresh book.

Today, Mirza Maryam's Mohalla Library has become a mission. She is taking a pledge to open 50 libraries in Aurangabad in a year. She is getting support from the Reed and Lead Foundation and Fame to accomplish this.

Mirza Maryam giving books to girls

Every library of Mirza Maryam is run by children. Along with Maryam, a team of 30 children is handling this responsibility diligently. Parents are also surprised to see the interest of children in books and are constantly encouraging them.

Maryam’s initiative has proved that children are interested in books provided they have access to the library.