Community Library
The Totto-Chan Children’s Library is situated in the border region where the states of Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh converge, specifically positioned between two notable tea estates—Bogabagh and Kanubari. This strategic location serves as a significant landmark for the local community, functioning as a vital resource for children from seven nearby villages, along with residents from the two tea estates.
Initially, our efforts were directed primarily toward children associated with these estates and villages. However, as we engaged deeply with the community through fieldwork, we uncovered alarming statistics regarding educational access. Our findings revealed a high incidence of school dropouts and a notable number of children who had never been enrolled in school within these tea garden areas. Disturbingly, it became evident that nearly every household in the region had at least one child who had either left school prematurely or had not received the opportunity for formal education.
In light of the urgency surrounding this issue, we undertook comprehensive surveys throughout the targeted locations. These assessments provided valuable insights into the challenges encountered by families, including economic barriers and a widespread neglect of educational needs. In response to these findings, we dedicated ourselves to fostering academic development and raising awareness of the importance of education for every child residing in these impoverished and underdeveloped areas.
Each year, we meticulously select a limited number of children from a neighboring section of our village to participate in a series of structured training sessions conducted during library hours. These sessions are carefully designed, encompassing interactive picture book presentations, engaging storytelling, and introductions to a diverse array of educational literature. This approach not only cultivates a passion for reading but also develops essential skills that contribute to the overall growth and development of the children.
Upon completion of these enriching training sessions, we assist the children in enrolling in a local government school that is appropriate for their age and educational requirements. Through this process, we strive to create pathways for a brighter future, enabling these children to access the education they are entitled to and to break the cycle of poverty that affects many families in the region.
Aims & Objectives:
(1) To promote education, with a particular focus on special education and the enhancement of vocational skills, particularly among children, youth, women, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
(2) To advocate for mental health awareness and to implement livelihood enhancement projects.
(3) To ensure environmental sustainability, maintain ecological balance, protect flora and fauna, promote animal welfare, support agroforestry initiatives, and conserve natural resources while maintaining the quality of soil, air, and water.
(4) To safeguard national heritage, arts, and culture by restoring buildings and sites of historical significance, promoting public libraries, and fostering traditional arts and handicrafts.
(5) To implement government plans and schemes aimed at public interest and social welfare.
(6) To actively contribute to the development of health services, family welfare, sanitation, access to drinking water, and overall improvement of living conditions within our communities.
(7) To enhance the well-being of mothers and children through a variety of motivational programs, including cultural events, health camps, exhibitions, and seminars.
(8) To provide various forms of assistance to victims of natural disasters and to actively participate in the rescue operations for affected individuals in Assam and other regions of India.
(9) To address and eliminate all forms of social injustice.
(10) To dedicate efforts toward service to humanity.
House no. 38,
Bhogbari,
Charaideo,
Assam – 785692
Library Contact: Anindita Gogoi
Contact Email: gogoianindita15@gmail.com
| Library Staff Members | 1 |
| Library Member Strength | 1000 |
| Gender Breakdown of Members | Female: 70% Male: 30% |
| Age Groups Served | Less than 5yrs to 21yrs and above |
| Library Branches | 7 |
| Villages/Clusters Served | 7 villages, 5000 people |
| Book Collection Size | 7000 |
| Type of Books in Collection | Picture books, popup books, magazines, children’s books, reference books, encyclopedias, test preparation books, fictional and non-fictional books, historical books, translated books, etc. in English, Assamese, Bengali, Hindi language |
| Average Daily Footfalls | 100 |
| Types of Reading Programs | Read Aloud, Storytelling, Book Talks, Reading Circles/Book Clubs, Early Learning/Foundational Literacy, Adult Literacy |
| Other Library Programs | Vedic Maths, Abacus, Rubik Cubes Solving, Chess, Art & Craft, Drama & Dance, Poetry Recitation, Brain games, TLM making, Cleanliness Drive in community, film screening, Digital Quiz, Historical object collection for Village Museum, Village & Children Bookfair, Sishu Mela with children taking part in various activities such as Science Magic, Telegraphy, Extempore Speech, Robotics, Star Gazing with Telescope organised with Government Schools, Cloth House to allocate children with required school essentials such as clothing, bag, shoes, stationaries, etc. in masses. |
| Presence of Various Library Policies (enrollment/admission, safety, anti-discrimination & inclusion guidelines etc) | No |