Dijkot turns roundabout into open library

Move aims to engage youth, reduce social media addiction

FAISALABAD:

In an effort to promote reading habits and steer the youth away from excessive use of social media, the Municipal Committee Dijkot has established an outdoor public library at the town's main central roundabout along the Faisalabad–Samundri Road.

The initiative, inaugurated by the municipal administration, drew a large number of visitors - particularly students from nearby schools and residents from surrounding areas.

Once known as an agricultural hub and now an emerging commercial centre, Dijkot's main chowk has been transformed into a vibrant learning space, featuring wooden racks and shelves filled with books on literature, history, science, fiction, poetry, and culture.

Assistant Commissioner (Saddar) and Administrator Municipal Committee Dijkot, Dr Zulqarnain Saleem Watto, said the open-air library aims to "quench the educational thirst" of the younger generation who spend much of their time glued to mobile phones and social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).

"Instead of simply advising children to avoid social media, we must provide them with practical and engaging spaces where they can reconnect with books," he remarked.

"Around 50 books from renowned authors, including Allama Muhammad Iqbal, have been displayed to attract students, shoppers, and commuters."

Dr Watto added that the project aligns with the Punjab government's "Parho Punjab, Barho Punjab" initiative, launched under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to foster a culture of reading and learning among citizens.

Chief Officer of the Municipal Committee Israr Chattha shared that the site previously served as a hangout for addicts, causing inconvenience to the public.

"We have now turned that space into a peaceful reading corner," he said, noting the addition of benches, flower pots, and plants to enhance the environment.

However, challenges have already emerged. Abdul Hameed, a nearby fruit vendor, claimed that an addict was recently caught stealing books to sell to a junk dealer. "He fled after a scuffle with passersby," Hameed said, urging the authorities to appoint a watchman to protect the library's collection and property from vandalism.