Haldar, an English teacher with over 26 years of experience at the Metropolitan Institution’s Bowbazar branch, had long been concerned about the declining interest in reading among younger generations. Determined to make books accessible to everyone, he set out to challenge the widespread belief that libraries are spaces reserved only for the elite and highly educated.
His journey began five years ago on International Mother Language Day, when he set up Patuli’s first street library. With just 500 children’s books purchased from his own income, he repurposed a broken refrigerator and placed it on a small patch of pavement near a grocery store in Baishnabghata Patuli Township. That simple act marked the birth of what would later become the Patuli Street Library (PSL).
The early days were not easy. Limited space, resources, and visibility posed significant challenges. However, Haldar’s persistence gradually paid off. Over time, he rented a small area and built a tin-covered structure, expanding the library’s collection to nearly 6,000–7,000 books through personal contributions and donations from supporters.
The initiative gained further momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, when digital devices began dominating everyday life. Encouraged by his son, Kinghsuk, Haldar intensified his efforts to revive reading habits among children and young adults.
Today, his libraries are spread across Kolkata, the Sunderbans, South 24 Parganas, and Nadia, with plans underway to open a 20th library in Baruipur’s Julpia and another in Malda. His vision, however, extends far beyond these milestones—he aims to establish 100 libraries in his lifetime.
To reach children from marginalized communities, Haldar also runs a mobile library service. Each week, he and his team visit nearby slum areas in Garia, distributing books that children can borrow and return after reading. Additionally, a “library on wheels” operates around Rajabazaar Science College, further expanding access.
What sets this initiative apart is not just the availability of books, but the vibrant culture it fosters. Activities such as street plays, reading circles, study sessions, and drawing competitions are regularly organized to keep children engaged and inspired.
From novels and dictionaries to short stories and literary magazines in both English and Bengali, the Patuli Street Library ensures that every child finds something to connect with. Through his unwavering dedication, Kalidas Haldar has not only created libraries but also ignited a love for reading in communities where such opportunities were once scarce.
His journey stands as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with the simplest of ideas—and the courage to pursue them.
