A person with knowledge is powerful and no one can take it away from them. And books help them to gain knowledge where libraries are the resources. However, we lack proper library in our community and digitization has also affected in the establishment of libraries.

Bikkil Sthapit, social activist who is currently working for developing a community based feminist library, Junkiri, shared, “Libraries are the place to sharpen society’s mind. Libraries are like the resources that provide food for our soul. But we do not have competent libraries in our society.”

According to him, a community library is a platform for discussion, raising awareness and gaining knowledge. He added, “We do get education and knowledge from our parents and school but libraries help to gain extra information. And though we live in a digital society, there have been several researches that digital books won’t replace the physical book. Reading books generates critical thinking in a person.”

Moreover, libraries are silent place where ideas speak louder and after the earthquake 2015, most of the public libraries are still not in proper condition. And in this episode of ‘Here’s Why’, Bikkil talks about the challenges he faced while developing a community library and how libraries can improve education.