NDLI stall makes dream of bibliophiles come true at book fair

Kolkata: It is difficult for book-lovers to control themselves when they see their favourite volumes stacked in stalls. However, despite the temptation, it is seldom possible for them to buy all the books they desire. However, at the 43rd International Kolkata Book Fair, it has become possible thanks to the stall of National Digital Library of India (NDLI) put up by IIT Kharagpur.

NDLI has a huge catalogue of free content in over 300 languages as books, papers, theses, audio books, simulations, short-stories and multiple other formats and any number of books can be downloaded for free, using QR codes at stall no. 383 at the book fair.

Registration is absolutely free and volunteers at the stall are more than happy to assist the visitors to log in via computers or install the app on their mobile phones. This is the first time an online library has established a physical presence at the book fair, with the initiative being sponsored by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and developed by IIT KGP.

Bibhas Samanta from team NDLI said: "If you go into any of the other stalls, you might be buying one or two books to fit your budget. The best part of our stall is that you can walk in without a single rupee in your pocket and take home as many books as you want at the click of a button."

The stall has been seeing massive footfall since day one as learners of all ages and interest groups have been visiting the stall and downloading books of their choice.