On 15th March 2022, we've opened a climate justice library at South Ex, New Delhi with an aim to make climate literacy available to our community members and the general public.
In the past, we used to organize reading circles in various parts of Delhi to engage people from various fields in discussions related to the environment. We were also lending these books for free or at a cheap price. We eventually decided to open a community library to make climate justice-related literature more accessible.
We believe improving people’s access to such resources greatly improves their involvement in and understanding of environmental issues.
The library has around 200 books on topics such as air pollution, water pollution, politics of environmental conservation, ecology, energy, and many others. The inauguration was conducted in two sessions in order to accommodate as many people as possible.
THE FIRST SESSION
The first session was held from 2:30-3:30 pm where 15+ organizations and advocacy groups joined us. Organizations such as Council on Energy, Environment and Water(CEEW), Heinrich Boell Stiftung, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Vidhi Centre For Legal Policy, Earth Day Network India, Centre for Policy Research (CPR) donated many of their publications to the library. Some of our team members shared their personal stories reflecting on their participation in the climate movement and the recognition of the need for a learning space for all. Since 15th March, marks three years of completion of global climate strikes across the world, one of our team-mates talked about the significance of the date and the growth of the movement.
THE SECOND SESSION
Our second session was for our larger community which was scheduled from 4:30-5:30 pm. Many students and activists joined us for the session. We opened the floor for people to share their stories, and why the climate library matters to them. Many people talked about the need for more meaningful youth participation, queer representation, and finding a space to learn and explore such topics. Quite a few people appreciated our photo gallery which featured pictures from several climate strikes in India over the last three years. We had a lot of fun activities like thumb printing, a snake and ladder game- a reflection wall where people can write their comments. Many of our community members also appreciated our low waste event with biodegradable cutlery, minimal use of plastic, and reusable decorations.
The library is now open for public use on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am-5pm. The address is R-21, South Extension 2, New Delhi 110049.
Use this link to find the library on Google Maps.
You can come and read for free while borrowing books is possible for members only. Membership costs 500 rupees/annum and you can borrow three books in a month.
To make access easier, we're integrating books list to YFC's website through a library management system so people can know what books library has- and it will be operational from next month.
If you wish to donate books to the library, fill out this form and the team will contact you.
If you're a media person, you can be really helpful in spreading words about the library- and to make your task easier we have made a media toolkit for you.
Happy reading!
WHAT DO PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE LIBRARY
“The library will be a collection of literature on environmental justice and intersectional themes, thus being another space for consciousness building and discourse, alongside making knowledge accessible.” -Eeshna Gupta, Student at Krea University & Core Team Member at Youth For Climate India
“Brilliant initiative to help the youth educate themselves on environmental issues with a sweet collection of books, research reports. Also a great place to network with young activists!” - Dhruvak Aggarwal, Researcher CEEW India
“For me, this library is hope, the hope of a collective just future. Where everyone has access to good education and knowledge, especially climate education. This library isn't a narrow idea of what climate action is, it's inclusive of literature of books on climate and environmental issues but also, socio-political ones.” -Srijani Datta, Student at Hindu College & Core Team Member at Youth For Climate India
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The space for this library is offered by Centre For Financial Accountability who work to bring accountability in financial institutions who lend money to development projects- at their office which is located at R–21, Ground Floor, South Extension-2, Delhi – 110049.