Our Story

The seeds for The Community Library Project (TCLP) were sown in 2008 with a volunteer-led read-aloud program at the Deepalaya Learning Centre in New Delhi. In 2014-15, the read aloud program became the first TCLP library; it was free and open to all. Members could issue books and participate in the Reading Program, which focused on supporting first-generation readers.

At the heart of the project is the belief that "Reading Is Thinking"—that everyone, regardless of their social or economic background, has the right to books and other tools of learning. Everyone has the right to read. To bring this to reality, it is essential to confront the severe lack of free, community libraries in India—especially for the majority of us who have historically been left out of reading spaces. We know the right to read in India is dependent on the creation of a public library system that is free and open to all, that is excellent and autonomous.

Today, TCLP runs three free libraries in Delhi and Gurugram, serving over 15000 children and adults, seven days a week. We are a demonstration model for free, community owned libraries everywhere. Our libraries nurture liberty, equality, justice and fraternity.

Over the years, we have also assisted numerous organizations in India in establishing their own free community libraries. We are proud to be a founding member of Free Libraries Network. .