The Setubandhan Library is located in Khalisha Belpukur village, Khatamadhupur union. In 2017, on three decimals of land donated by local resident Sekendar Ali, a voluntary organisation called Setubandhan established the library. Built in a small tin-shed house, this library has now become one of the village’s main hubs for learning, creativity and social activity.
There was once limited opportunity for people in the area to read books outside their textbooks. That picture has now changed, with the number of readers visiting the library growing every day, drawn by the appeal of books. More than a hundred students currently visit the library regularly. Its collection holds more than 1,500 books. It started with just a handful of readers and a limited number of books, but through readers’ interest and volunteers’ efforts, the library has gradually expanded. Its rows of bookshelves, chairs, tables and quiet atmosphere have together made it another place of learning beyond home for rural students.
Sujon Islam, a college student and reader, said: “I come here to read stories, rhymes and books on various subjects. Reading newspapers also lets me learn news from home and abroad. This library has helped us a great deal.”
Sadia Akter, another student in eighth grade, said: “I come here almost every day after school lets out. I really enjoy reading short story books. There are all kinds of books here. I now spend my free time reading, which teaches me a lot of new things.”
Setubandhan Library founder Alamgir Hossain said: “Our goal is to build an environment of learning in rural areas. We want the number of books to keep growing and for this library to become a model library. For that, we need support from everyone in society, so that village people are never left behind in access to knowledge and information, and the new generation becomes more deeply connected with books.”
On the matter, Saidpur upazila executive officer (UNO) Farah Fateha Takmila said: “Setubandhan’s work has always been commendable. The Setubandhan Library has had a positive impact on the area. The upazila administration will continue supporting such public-welfare initiatives.”