Beyond the Shelves

In the realm of education and literary exploration, Apeksha Harsh, an Arts in Education Facilitator, writing mentor, and editor, transcends the confines of conventional learning. Her journey into the world of libraries was sparked by a childhood rich with diverse books, fostering a love for stories that she seamlessly weaves into her work.

Apeksha passionately advocates for the relevance of libraries in contemporary society. Beyond repositories of information, they are vital centers of knowledge, learning, and interaction. In her eyes, libraries play a crucial role in fostering both community and inquiry, especially in making archived historical and cultural information more accessible.

For Apeksha, the library is the heart of the school. She works on inviting all stakeholders to the library, whether it is a literary fest for students and teachers, a book club for parents, or a book bag challenge for teachers, or celebrating “book” days like World Read Aloud Day, where the whole school community comes together. Book displays to showcase the collection, bulletin board displays, virtual classrooms and school assemblies highlighting literature help build a culture of reading and writing.

As an educator, Apeksha is actively contributing to building a culture of reading and writing. Through reading programs, she forges connections across the arts, activities like ‘book talks’, and genre spotlights. She engages with participants where students and adults share literary experiences and views.

Apeksha’s narrative is enriched with anecdotes that underscore the transformative power of literature. One poignant moment involves a teen sharing a queer poetry collection and saying they thought that it was a book for everyone to read. Using her workshop space, teenagers and children explore and express their identity, showcasing the library as a safe haven for self-discovery, identity, expression and liberty.

Reflecting on the ideal library, Apeksha emphasizes diversity in topics and narratives. A good library, she believes, should not propagate bigoted perspectives but should instead offer a range of narratives that expand horizons, through fiction or non-fiction.

Looking ahead, Apeksha envisions future trends in non-fiction, particularly its growth as a genre for children and young adults. However, she foresees challenges such as potential censorship or banning, suggesting that open dialogue and awareness could foster greater open-mindedness across all demographics. According to Apeksha, the library becomes not just a repository of books but a dynamic space where learning, inclusivity, and the exploration of diverse perspectives thrive.