Library on Wheels project rolls out in city

Coimbatore: The Coimbatore city police on Friday launched ‘Library on Wheels’ to ensure easy access to newspapers, novels and moral story books for autorickshaw drivers and passengers.
City police commissioner V Balakrishnan, who launched the initiative with the help of NGO Dr Kalam Foundation, said it will promote reading habit. “This will benefit the autorickshaw drivers, who keep browsing the internet while waiting for a ride. It will also benefit the passengers.”
A shelf containing six dailies and books was placed in the autorickshaw belonging to Syed of Coimbatore. “Books on self-motivation and women empowerment will make it more attractive,” said Balakrishnan.
Reading habit will give a great outlook towards life, the officer said. “It not only increases knowledge, but also builds character. It can change lives. Those who read books are aware of the need to maintain law & order.”
Several private firms and banks came forward to donate books using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. “We had launched mini libraries on streets for children a few months ago. The autorickshaw-based libraries will be expanded to 2,000 vehicles in Coimbatore city. We also plan to set up mini libraries in cabs also,” the officer added.
He later launched a book donation drive at the police commissionerate. Staff and visitors can drop books in a box kept on the first floor of the building.