TCLP libraries host an ever-growing membership in excess of 4000 readers & thinkers.
Membership starts from 4 years and is organized into 4 groups :
Non-adult members can borrow 1 book each circulation day while adults can borrow 2 books. Non adult members can start borrowing 2 books on circulation days once they enter the 200 Book Club.
Circulation Desk: All Are Welcome
The circulation desk is a welcoming space that embodies pyaar se. It is a judgement-free zone where all are welcome to interact with library staff and library leaders, seek suggestions about books and gather information about library activities.
This is where librarians learn the most about our members and their likes and dislikes. It’s a great place to build a new reader’s confidence as they grow stronger with every book. It is also a wonderful interface to encourage readers to try something different or get to the next level in their reading journeys.
Open Shelf Policy
We have an open-shelf policy, where members are free to walk in and pick a book of their choice from open shelves and boxes.
Any member can read, browse and issue any book of their choosing (except reference books, which are for reading in the library only). Librarians can recommend but the choice is left to the member.
TCLP's Honour Roll
The Honour Roll celebrates reading milestones of each TCLP member.
The first 10 books read and returned mark their entry on the Honour Roll board. They get a star against their name, a new book to keep forever and a packet of chocolate cookies as encouragement.
For every 10 books read and returned thereafter, a star is added to their name. At 40 books, they recieve another reward of a new book to keep forever.
At 80 books, the member can choose to read and review 20 books in the Book Report Clinic. At the end of their Book Report journey, they have read, returned and thought about 100 books. They now gain entry into the 100 Book Club and then the 200 Book Club.
TCLP has found this to be an exceptional practice to boost first-generation school-goers in their reading journeys. After 100 books, they are well on their way to becoming independent readers and thinkers.
Lost or Damaged Books
At TCLP we encourage children to care for library books in a safe and trusted environment, where a sense of ownership, rather than punitive damages, is the key. When a book is lost or torn, members make good by assisting in the work of librarians, volunteers and Student Council members.
‘Repair Tuesdays’ are when members come in for 2-3 hours to help us mend books, bring order to shelves and learn how to handle books in a more careful manner. This practice makes them more caring of books and reiterates their sense of belonging to the library. It reinforces responsibility, without instilling fear.
Digital Circulation
All TCLP libraries use the automated circulation platform provided by KOHA. Automation increases the speed & efficiency of the circulation desk, allowing us to track our daily circulation statistics as well as other member data. Circulation statistics give us insight into the child's growth as a reader, his or her book choices , number of books read and makes it easier to track books or catalogue them.
Our objective at The Community Library Project is to encourage free thinking and questioning in the minds of young readers through easy access to books and magazines. We provide a safe, comfortable and beautiful space for them to connect with books and one other.
(Not for books donation. For books donation see)
