In the historic Tambat Ali neighbourhood of Pune, where the legacy of coppersmiths lingers, a different kind of treasure is carefully preserved. The Twashta Kasar Samaj Sanstha Vachan Mandir, an A-grade library housing approximately 50,000 books, is steadily approaching a significant milestone. On January 26, 2026, this community institution will celebrate its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring mission of keeping the reading habit alive.
A Republic Day Inauguration and a Lasting Legacy
The library's modern chapter began on Republic Day in 1977. The late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray travelled from Mumbai to the congested lanes of Kasba Peth specifically to inaugurate it. His aim was clear: to encourage reading, particularly among children in the community. The choice of Republic Day for the inauguration was symbolic, linking the pursuit of knowledge with national spirit.
However, the roots of this literary endeavour dig even deeper into Pune's history. Girish Potphode, a community member, traces its origins back to around 1911. Inspired by late visionaries Vasantrao Dandekar and Keru Pundilak Sapte, a small library for the coppersmith's organization was first started. "It suffered many ups and downs, closing and opening several times. It had only 150 books and that too only for the people of the organization," Potphode recounts. The library found its permanent home in the present three-storey building near Tambat Ali, which was inaugurated in 1993.
More Than a Library: A Temple for Books
Stepping into this space is a deliberate act. "The library is not referred to as a granthalaya but as a mandir. We enter this space the way we do a temple, by taking off our shoes," explains Reshma Kadu, the President of the library. This reverence sets the tone for an experience that goes beyond mere book-lending.
The ritual of reading begins even before one enters the main doors. Racks holding 25 newspapers line the entrance, and every morning, the benches and steps outside are occupied by readers engrossed in the day's news. Inside, the collection is meticulously organized across three floors. The first floor houses books on request, the second allows direct browsing, and the third is dedicated to English-language titles. Each floor features a mezzanine, accessed by steps, adding a playful, exploratory character to the space.
The collection is vast and varied, spanning Marathi, Hindi, and English. Shelves offer journeys to Ladakh, explorations of India-Pakistan relations, classical narratives like An Equal Music, and even the promise of a Wildlife Atlas. Sections range from novels, autobiographies, and poetry to history, mythology, fine arts, health, and politics.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Readers
Despite its extensive adult collection, the library's heart beats for its young patrons. It attracts at least 50 young readers daily, with footfalls surging on Saturdays. The focus is on creating responsible, engaged readers. Entry to the first-floor section is guarded by statues of eminent figures like Sant Gyaneshwar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Goddess Saraswati. "We celebrate the days associated with them in order to remember our culture," says librarian Sai Meher.
The librarians actively combat declining reading skills. "One would be surprised to hear that a lot of children do not know how to read. We conduct workshops where children are taught techniques, such as pausing for punctuations. Else, they read like a speed train through the pages," President Reshma Kadu reveals.
Crucially, the children's voices directly shape the library's inventory. "While planning the new stock, we ask the children what they are interested in. They tell us what they want to read," says librarian Madhavi Sagar Kavle. The library purchases books twice a year, up to 200 titles each time, often based on specific requests from children who alert them to new releases. A notable demand has led to a substantial collection of sports books.
In an age dominated by screens, traditional tales retain their charm. "They get knowledge and have fun," notes librarian Shruti Kosamkar, referring to the enduring popularity of stories from the Panchtantra and about Birbal.
Sustaining a Community Institution
The library's financial model is a blend of community support and government grants. It sustains itself primarily through an affordable monthly membership fee of just Rs 40. This is supplemented by grants from the Pune Municipal Corporation and a significant state government grant of Rs 4 lakh per year, among other sources.
The institution also places its faith in women's leadership. "The library is run by women staff entirely," states trustee Kundan Tambat.
Golden Jubilee: A Celebration Linking Books to Life
As the 50th anniversary in January 2026 approaches, plans are underway for grand celebrations that reflect the library's community spirit. The festivities will begin around January 18, culminating in a prize distribution on Republic Day, January 26.
"We will have sports, which will include races for toddlers as well as games for the elderly. The calendar is packed with cricket and chess matches, quiz, spelling competition and essay writing contest as well as a fancy dress competition," shares Girish Potphode. The milestone will be celebrated by linking books to different aspects of life.
A unique highlight will be a float of books, reminiscent of the traditional wari processions, dedicated to marking the library's anniversary. "A special feature is a float of books, similar to the wari processions, which will be held to mark our anniversary," confirms President Reshma Kadu.
For nearly five decades, the Twashta Kasar Vachan Mandir has been more than a repository of books; it has been a temple of learning, a community hub, and a steadfast guardian of the reading habit in the heart of old Pune. Its golden jubilee will not just mark the passage of time, but the cultivation of countless minds and the enduring power of the written word.
