Let’s Open a Book

Imagine a vibrant and thriving community library nestled in a remote Indian village, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the majestic Himalayas. This is far more than an ordinary library; it serves as an ‘active’ hub for knowledge, creativity, and cultural exchange. Here, locals can immerse themselves in a rich collection of best-in-class literature while participating in a diverse range of activities including arts and crafts workshops, recreational outings, captivating storytelling sessions, and much more! This dynamic vision is encapsulated in the mission of our organization, Let’s Open a Book.


Let’s Open a Book is a registered NGO dedicated to fostering a nation of critical readers. Our free libraries are currently located in two key regions: the serene Spiti Valley and the picturesque town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. To learn more about our inspirational Founder, Ruchi Dhona, you can explore our website.


Spiti Valley is particularly remarkable, characterized as a cold desert mountain valley with a staggering altitude of 3,800 meters (over 12,400 feet) above sea level. The roads leading to this isolated region are among the most treacherous in the world, which adds to its allure and challenges. In 2018, Lahual & Spiti was heralded by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten travel destinations worldwide, drawing attention to its breathtaking beauty and unique experiences.
Spiti is not only enchanting in its landscapes but also rich in culture and history. As the global awareness of Spiti grows, its reputation as an oasis of peace and tranquility is becoming well recognized. This newfound attention has sparked a significant economic development boom in the area, primarily driven by tourism. However, the local Spitian population faces an uphill battle in becoming equal and fair participants in this development process. This disparity leads to various challenges in their environment, affecting both their livelihood and cultural heritage.


Our organization is committed to empowering Spitian children to become active, equal, and fair participants in the development of their valley. We recognize that there are multiple barriers hindering Spitians from fully engaging in this transformative process. One of the most critical aspects we focus on is the enhancement of critical thinking skills among children, as they represent the future of Spiti.


By improving these skills, we aim to equip them with the tools necessary to navigate and contribute effectively to their community’s development and preservation. Our strategy emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, particularly through the medium of reading. We believe that cultivating a strong reading culture will lay the foundation for improved analytical abilities, creativity, and engaged citizenship among the children of Spiti Valley. Through our libraries and the programs we offer, we aspire to nurture a generation that can face challenges thoughtfully and advocate for their rightful place in the development narrative of their homeland.

VPO Jagatsukh, 2nd Floor, Above Sharma Hardware,
Jagatsukh, Manali,
Kullu,
Himachal Pradesh – 175143

Library Contact: Ruchi Dhona
Contact Email: dhonaruchi@gmail.com

Library Staff Members2
Library Member Strength500
Gender Breakdown of MembersFemale:70%
Male: 30%
Age Groups Served5yrs to 14yrs
Library Branches2
Villages/Clusters ServedPopulation of over 10,000 people
Book Collection Size2500
Type of Books in CollectionPicture Books, Pop-Up Books, Graphic Novels, Chapter Books, Board Books, Lift-the-Flap, Sound Books, Encyclopaedia, Novelty Books, etc.
Average Daily FootfallsDaily Footfall: 10-15; 70% Female; 30% Male
Types of Reading ProgramsRead Aloud, Storytelling, Early Learning/Foundational Literacy
Other Library ProgramsDance (Kathak) Classes; Art and Craft Classes, Phonetics Classes (Foundational English Reading)
Presence of Various Library Policies (enrollment/admission, safety, anti-discrimination & inclusion guidelines etc)Yes,
The library is open to all individuals without restriction. Our team engages in regular discussions aimed at identifying and implementing strategies to prevent any form of discrimination within the library environment.