A library on a boat in Kolkata: read while you cruise along the river Hooghly

This Republic Day turned out to be special for many people in Kolkata, with a “Boat Library” launched especially for children.

This unique “Young Readers’ Boat Library” – a joint initiative of the West Bengal Transport Corporation and Apeejay Anand Children’s Library – will be cruising along the River Hooghly five days a week. Open from Monday to Friday, the library has been stocked with delightful books for children of all age groups and has been decorated with attractive artwork.

All genres of reading material are available for every age group. Entry fee is Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for those under 17 years. Schools or educational institutions can also plan a trip on it at Rs 4000 per trip. Apart from 500 books for young readers in English and Bengali, visitors will also be able to use the free Wi-Fi and music. Rides are from 11am, 1:15 pm and 3:30 pm.

Oxford Bookstores has curated the book titles for young readers for the Kolkata Young Reader’s Boat Library. The boat library will gradually have more activities like storytelling, dramatised readings, poetry sessions, book launches etc. The Kolkata Young Readers’ Boat Library was launched virtually by Rajanvir Singh Kapur, MD, West Bengal Transport Corporation and Priti Paul, Director Apeejay Surrendra Group.

The MD, WBTC said that the idea behind the Kolkata Young Reader’s Boat Library is that once can read books while appreciating the beauty of Kolkata while cruising along the river.” Maina Bhagat, Director Apeejay Oxford Bookstores, said: “Oxford Bookstore Kolkata has always been committed to support and nurture the reading habit across generations of readers both across the city and the nation and the Young Readers’ Boat Library will be an extension to that commitment in an innovative way.”