THERE’S something about stories -- stories that one finds at the right time, at the right place. Stories that never leave its reader. Never mind the author, the chapter, what never leaves the reader is the feel, the drama, the rapid beating of the heart, the tingling sensation on the palm at the climax of the story. Stories that shape imagination and reshape perspective, stories that kindle romance and reignite passion, stories that stay in the mind and reside in the heart.

For the reading freaks, what the heart seeks is the provider of the stories, the books which can light the hidden spark. And there they come -- the providers of this experience. Gathered under trees, outside the cafes, with their big boxes of books and ideas to share with the world. Decking up their cars with books, they show up at the most unexpected places at the most unexpected hours. They carry their many books, lend them to readers which often leads to interesting discussion in the middle of the streets and cafes over a steaming cup of coffee. With a young zeal to make books accessible their little library moves around the city, popping up in different locations amongst different people. ‘Library on Wheels’ is nurturing a culture of reading and healthy discussions in the city. However, they do not just carry books. There’s something very human about ‘Library on Wheels’, they are human deposits of knowledge. Their group is young, bubbling and bustling with energy and new ideas. This brainchild of 27-year-old Likhit Agrawal is creating a vibrant culture of reading. “The act of reading and discussing a book together is something very special. The joy of watching strangers turning into friends over a discussion on a novel or a character is simply brilliant. It is out of this thought for human connect, understanding, and conversations this idea of ‘Library on Wheels’ emerged,” says Likhit. The idea started small -- of wanting to make books accessible to all. So these youngsters gathered their own copies and collected over 400 books and started setting up their places across the city. “The response we received was pleasantly surprising. I was astonished to see an 18-year-old reading Freud, a 21 year old reading Baudelaire and Kant. These youngsters went straight for them,” Likhit exclaims.

Tackling the age old assumption of ‘youngsters don’t read’, the group regularly receives number of readers across ages, especially children and their parents gushing over new arrivals and limited editions. The library is free for all, with access to a well curated set of books. With a deposit fee against the borrower, one can issue any book that they might like. In the age of digital media and e-versions, hard copies assume a different place for the readers.

The sheer pleasure of reading one’s favourite lines, sometimes rereading those lines to find new meanings there’s always something more to a book. The ideas that it disseminates, and the independent thinking that it generates is of utmost importance. “I have carved myself out of books,” says Likhit. The ideas that books propose in their own intrepid, mysterious way is the biggest motivating factor for him. “Young people have immense potential and capacity. These abilities must be used to the maximum benefit. We try to nurture these qualities by holding monthly discussions on books and topics of the season,” he adds. One always finds them engrossed in reading. Says Swadesh Das, a reader, “For someone who has just began to read, it is important to find librarians who are well-read and know exactly what to recommend. We need more well-read librarians. Moreover, it is joyous to discuss the thoughts that the books put you in and you always have someone to discuss them with.”

Creating a little society of a sort to discuss their favourite characters, to find new angles of understanding and perspectives -- these strangers become friends. With many readers, members -- now all friends spread across the city -- engrossed in their own copies waiting to discuss their ‘what I read’ at the next discussion session do these people meet. “People wait for the next session to happen. Children below 18 drag their parents to our book stalls to issue the next book and every time they come with so much of energy that it is contagious,” Likhit states. The team plans to start a decentralised library at schools with a collection of curated books that young children must read. “I wish to start an inclusive reading practice where books and ideas are accessible to all,” Likhit further says. The inspiration, he says, came from his grandfather’s work. “In a way I am carrying my grandfather’s legacy. He was a librarian and he started a little library of well curated books for kids at our farmhouse near Waddhamna. Every summer he would take me there and I have made such fond memories reading books,” says Likhit. Loading his parents’ car with books and driving around the city, his parents have supported Likhit’s every venture. From managing a job in Bengaluru to scheduling library meetings in Nagpur, he calls his parents a constant source of support and inspiration. The place appears to do something more than finding the right book and the right story at the right time. Priyank Dahake, another reader says, “Library on Wheels is different. You do not just find a book, you find a story and with it you find people with stories to share.” Library on Wheels has set out to build a community based on common interests where voices, people, and thoughts are valued. This group of young men and women is doing more than what meets the eye. It is creating a generation of thinkers and tomorrow’s leaders. It is creating stories -- of hope, dream and success for the future.