Other States - Orissa

Children’s library draws her to city

BHUBANESWAR: When it comes to children, noted scholar and an expert in children’s literature Ellen Handler Spitz of University of Maryland can’t stay behind.

Thus, the writer of acclaimed books like ‘The Brightening Glance: Imagination and Childhood’ and ‘Inside Picture Books’ flew to the city on her own just to talk of writings for children, the matter that has been dearest to heart for ever and to see the newly founded Bakul Children’s library here.

The exclusive library and activity centre for children was set up on April 7 last in a unique way by mobilising 1,000 people to contribute in small ways.

“This success story of community mobilisation has become a case study internationally and is being a mater of discussion at Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata, and at Delhi University. On hearing about the Bakul Children’s library, Prof. Spitz offered to come down to Bhubaneswar to speak at her own cost. Corporate house IMFA provided the local hospitality for her,” acknowledged Bakul Foundation director Sujit Mahapatra.

Prof. Spitz’s public lecture on Monday evening entitled ‘The impact of imagery in picture books for young children’ dwelt in detail on what makes a good children’s book and about the value of reading to children and about ways of reading. The audience included children’s writers, illustrators of children’s books, scholars, NGO representatives working with children, educational institutions dealing with children and a number of parents as well. Prof. Spitz had also a dialogue on contemporary Oriya art with Prof. Deba Patnaik at the library on Sunday.

Earlier on the day, Prof. Spitz spoke on the role of imagery in children’s life at a well-attended seminar hosted by the Department of English of Utkal University here that was coordinated by Prof. Himanshu Mohapatra.

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