British Council Library in Pune turns 60

Pune, 31st August 2019: Having served as a hub for knowledge and cultural activities for Punekars since 1959, the British Council Library in Pune is completing the milestone of 60 years in the city. To celebrate this milestone, British Council has organizing a fun-filled weekend of learning events for both parents and children.

Mayor of Pune, Mukta Tilak felicitated some of oldest members of the Library in Pune who have been members since 1960s.Amongst those who were felicitated included Dr. K. Srinvasan and Mr Ramchandran Gupte who have been individual members with us since 1960s when British Council Pune started operations at Ranade Institute, also Dhanvanti Hardikar and Dr. Jayant Gadgil, who have been some of the longest associated Family members and Dr. Christopher Baptista and Mr. Jayant Gokhale, who are among the top borrowers.

“The British Council Library is a prestigious venue for Pune, and one that brings nostalgia to many people, but lots of learning and excitement to younger families. I am proud to be here as part of its 60th+ Anniversary Celebrations”, said Tilak.

Winners of the prestigious International Reading Challenge were also announced at the celebration. NirzaraHambarde (Junior age group- 6-8 years), Vedant Malik &. KrishivRekhi (tie) (senior age group – 9-11 years) walked away with prizes for completion of the associated competition. The prizes include appreciation certificates and medals. The first-place winner gets yearly family membership for the British Council Library in Pune.

“We are so happy to have won this prize, we love reading, and we love coming to British Council Library”, echoed all three winners.

Pune was the first city to experience the Reading Challenge, and following its success, it is now being conducted in sevenmore cities in India over the next 4 months. The ReadingChallenge is brought to India by British Council in association with the Reading Agency UK. Designed on the principle of encouragement and motivation, the children participating in the Pune Reading Challenge were expected to read 4 books of their choice from a set of books based on the theme Space Chaseover the competition period. Rewards were given for completion of every book. A finale competition was also held at the end of the four weeks.

On the occasion, Gunjan Narula, Head of British Council in Pune said, “We are delighted to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the British Council Library in Pune and would like to thank Honourable Mayor of Pune, Shrimati Mukta Tilak for her presence at the Anniversary celebrations. Our Library has had an incredible journey in the city andhas evolved into a cultural hub with something for everyone – as a result of which we have seen an increase in the number of family memberships where parents bring their kids to the library for a family’s day out to build an affinity towards reading, learning and social interaction.”

The British Council Library in Pune, one of 8 libraries in India, stays true to its promise of creating an unconventional space which is safe and child friendly. The family membership of the library entails several benefits, providing an environment that nurtures learning and growth, in addition to serving as a place for learning and cultural activities.

“We are focused on inspiring learning and creativity and we are celebrating this important milestone for Punekars through a series of learning events catering to both children and parents. We hope they enjoy it”, added Gunjan.

List of events for the 60^th Anniversary Celebration