The rising costs of rent have found their way to one of the most beloved places within Karachi’s community. Kitab Ghar, the citizens’ own free library located in PECHS, will be closing its doors forever on May 31st, having been operating for a period of 18 months.
The management announced this decision through a very considerate post on Instagram, revealing that because of the gentrification within the neighborhood, the rent was too high to pay anymore. However, the administration made sure to make it known that they do not make such decisions easily, knowing how important it is to their patrons.
A Vibrant Hub for Ideas and Connection
Right from the beginning, there was so much more that people could do in Kitab Ghar beyond just reading books. Here they would come for studying, socializing, attending seminars, listening to gigs, and having serious discussions. They would find a place where people loved, laughed, created art, socialized, and even discussed politics. It remained free for everyone to study and socialize there while some particular events would have a nominal ticket charge.
Mostly, the funding for Kitab Ghar came through monthly contributions or individual donations. Volunteers and contributors marched side by side in the quest for something better. The team wants to thank all comrades, regulars, and well-wishers without whom nothing would have been possible.
Hope Remains for a New Beginning
Despite their preparations to shut down this site, the team at Kitab Ghar is not giving up on the dream. Rather, they want to shift places and continue serving the community when they gather sufficient funding. For this purpose, they have organized a fundraising event that seeks to raise Rs500,000.
“Need a Kitab Ghar around the corner? Then believe us when we say you are needed here much more,” said the management with an inviting tone. Moreover, “we are here because you are here” was another statement from them that emphasized how important people are to this place.
The closure demonstrates the difficulties faced by independent community projects in the dynamic environment of Karachi. However, the essence behind Kitab Ghar makes people hopeful of similar ventures in the future.
