New Delhi: Tucked away in the heart of Naraina Vihar, a small police station has become an unlikely haven for students. Nineteen-year-old Tanu, who lives in a slum colony nearby, arrives at the police station at 9am every day. Tanu is not a cop, just one of the 169 students from the area who frequent the makeshift library at the police station.
This cozy library, nestled within the station, has become a gamechanger for these students from economically disadvantaged families. Tanu, who is preparing for the medical entrance exam, NEET, said, "At home, I constantly struggled with limited internet data and found it impossible to cover my syllabus. This library has changed everything. I can access free internet, study without interruption and, best of all, see my dream of becoming a neurologist taking shape. The conditions in our jhuggi make studying extremely difficult, but here I can focus from 9am till 7pm every day."
The library has been operating now for six months and is equipped with a biometric entry system, well-stocked bookshelves, high-speed internet and computer stations. TOI spoke to students and staff to learn how the library is changing lives by offering tools and chances the youngsters need to succeed. "Everything here is completely free," explained Shivani Sharma, the 21-year-old librarian. "Students only have to pay Rs 50 for their entry card, which is refunded to them later. When I look at our entry register and see students aged 16 to 28 years coming in every day, I see hope walking through our doors."
According to the police officer in charge at the Naraina Vihar police station, people generously donate books and other items and the cops also approach NGOs and other entities to help them sustain the cause. "The one-room library has students, some preparing for the civil services examinations, others for JEE and NEET. Many of them are school students," said Vichitra Veer, DCP (West). "We accommodate everyone. We have so many registrations that we have even allotted a room and are thinking of expanding to continue helping these young children."
Rakhi Verma, 25, another librarian, said, "Students can study here as long as they want without any disturbance. We really care about making them comfortable. That is why we even bought a room heater so nobody will feel cold while studying in the winter."
The library does more than just provide books. Every week, there are special sessions where experts come to talk and sometimes, students get together to discuss important topics, revealed Satish Kumar, SHO, Naraina Vihar police station. Sharma added, "Many students come from JJ clusters where mental health support is a luxury they can't afford. When they open up to us, share their struggles, their dreams, even a few words of support can light up their whole path forward."
Tanu shared, "Back in my village in Bihar's Begusarai, I watched sadly as childhood friends died from preventable injuries and illnesses because there was just no hospital close by. I was just 8, but those moments carved my future in stone; I knew I had to become a doctor. My mother's words still echo: ‘Science is for the rich.' But this library? It's changing that story. Now I teach evening classes too from 8pm to 10pm. Every rupee earned is a step closer to that white coat."
Vishal, 23, who aspires to become a civil servant, said, "My father sells vegetables for a living. I'm the one carrying all my family's hopes. But I could never afford the fees in the libraries in Karol Bagh or Rajendra Place. The money I save here, and the perfect study environment, these are making a difference."
The library is changing adult lives too. Take Shivam, 23, who moved to Delhi from her village in Uttar Pradesh after getting married. "Coming here as a new bride at 22, everything felt foreign and overwhelming," she said. "But my husband believed in me enough to show me this place. Now I have a chance to be more than just someone's wife. I can be someone who makes a difference."
Shivam is now preparing for the state public service exam and has found her rhythm. "I finish all my housework and cooking by 11am, then head to the library where I study without a break till 5pm," she smiled. "It's so much better to study there, and my in-laws feel good about it too because it's inside a police station — they know I'm safe."