Cultivating Literacy and Learning

Heeru Bhojwani, a librarian, shared insights into her passion for literature and her belief that education is a catalyst for personal growth, courage, and self-reliance. Recognizing that the function of a library extends far beyond the mere housing of books, Heeru emphasized the multifaceted role libraries play in facilitating access to information, promoting literacy, supporting technology use, fostering community connections, aiding formal education, preserving knowledge, and contributing to ongoing learning.

In her role as a teacher librarian, Heeru actively curates a diverse collection of books, catering to various interests and reading levels to ensure accessibility for all students. Her commitment to developing a culture of reading and learning is evident through initiatives such as the Jarul Book Awards, where children actively engage in reading Indian picture books, form a jury, and participate in the selection process by voting for their favourites. These initiatives not only promote a love for reading but also empower children by providing them with a voice and choice showing literacy matters.

Heeru’s library is not just a repository of books but a dynamic space where diverse activities, such as book clubs, author visits, and interactive read-aloud sessions, are organized to inspire literacy and foster a sense of community. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, she actively engages with educators to integrate information literacy skills into the curriculum, emphasizing the holistic development of students.
A good library, according to Heeru Bhojwani, should be welcoming and inclusive, with a diverse collection that caters to varied interests and age groups. It should provide comfortable, well-lit reading areas, creating an environment conducive to concentration and exploration. Additionally, embracing technological advancements is crucial, ensuring access to digital resources and promoting the seamless integration of traditional and modern forms of literature.

Looking ahead, Heeru envisions future trends in libraries embracing digital resources, and innovative technology integration. To address potential challenges like equitable access to information and privacy, ongoing professional development for librarians, strategic partnerships, and community engagement are very important.

Heeru is the co-founder of the Liferarian Association — the organization tries to support building of book collection for new libraries. Do visit their website to learn more.