From her home in Kerala, a young librarian opened the doors to imagination. Proof that age is no barrier when passion leads the way.
Have you ever met someone who can redefine “too young” and “too small” in the best way possible? Well, in Kochi, Kerala, there’s a 12-year-old girl named Yashoda D Shenoy who did exactly that. She became one of India’s youngest librarians while still in school!
A Library Where You Never Spend a Penny (or a Rupee)
Most of us remember the first time we discovered a library. For some, it’s like stepping into a treasure cave of stories and knowledge. But for Yashoda, the inspiration came from something very personal and a bit unexpected.
When she was younger, Yashoda loved books so much that she would tag along with her family to the local library in Mattancherry, Kochi. On one visit, she saw her father paying fines for returning a book late. That absolutely baffled her. She didn’t understand why a place like a library would make anyone pay. That simple moment sparked a big question: What about kids who don’t even have ten rupees to their name?
Right there, Yashoda realized that reading shouldn’t be a luxury, and that everyone, rich or poor, should have access to books. And just like that, she decided to do something about it.
A Library Born in Her Home
Now here’s where it gets really cool. Yashoda didn’t wait for permission from some fancy institution. She didn’t apply for government grants. She set up a library right at home!
With the support of her family, especially her artist father Dinesh R. Shenoy, a part of their home in Kochi was cleared out, book racks were built, and soon enough, Yashoda’s Library was ready to open its doors.
But how do you get books for a library without paying for them? Well, Yashoda and her dad put up a post on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. People from across India started donating books, some even sending entire collections. Before long, the library grew from a few hundred books to a thriving collection of over 3,500 books!
Extensive Stock (And More To Come)
One of the most beautiful things about this library is how diverse its collection is. Yashoda made sure that it isn’t just a place for English books; there’s something for everyone. This includes over 2,500 books in Malayalam, around 1,000 books in English, as well as a huge range of titles in Hindi, Tamil, Konkani, and even Sanskrit!
Imagine that! A little library in a home, filled with stories from so many languages and cultures. And it’s not just fiction, either. There are poems, novels, stories for kids, educational books, and all kinds of readings that appeal to different interests.
And Yashoda doesn’t plan on stopping there. She’s always looking for new stock and has even written to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and hopes he’ll send her more books soon.
A Community Space, Not Just a Library
Yashoda’s Library isn’t stuck away in some forgotten corner. It’s right there, out in the open, ready for people who love books.
Her classmates and even teachers from school are members. Yashoda welcomes everyone: kids, adults, readers, dreamers. And because she believes reading should be free for all, there are no membership fees and no fines for late returns.
Of course, she does encourage people to return books within about 15 days, you know, so others get a chance to enjoy them too. And for elderly readers or people who can’t physically visit, volunteers will even deliver books to their homes!
Protecting The Written Word
With all her efforts, Yashoda is helping to promote literacy and reading in her community. Every day that she chooses to wake up and keep pursuing her dream as a little librarian, she protects the written word. Her story is inspirational, magical, and nothing short of incredible.
And she’s not the only one.
If Yashoda’s story of beating the odds and sharing her love of literature inspires you, you’re in luck. Stories like hers have been carefully selected and presented in Protectors of the Written Word, a book by 1000Libraries.
Her story is featured in Protectors of the Written Word alongside 24 others who have devoted their lives to sharing the joy of reading. The book brings together inspiring journeys from around the world, written as a heartfelt love letter to everyone who believes in the power of books. You can order your copy here.
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
