A Tranquil Literary Hub
The Kottappuram houseboat terminal, situated along the picturesque Tejaswini river in Kasaragod, has become a cherished spot for both tourists and residents. Beyond the allure of the 34 houseboats it serves,
the terminal offers a peaceful ambiance, charming teashops, and eateries. However, a unique attraction drawing locals in is 'Velicham,' a modest yet vibrant library. This haven operates during specific hours, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays, with extended timings on weekends. It currently houses an impressive collection of 975 books, available in both Malayalam and English, all offered free of charge to those who frequent the terminal. The initiative, a brainchild of Fareena Kottappuram, a dedicated teacher and activist, aims to cultivate reading habits in the community.
From Grief to Giving
The inception of 'Velicham' is deeply rooted in a personal journey of healing for Fareena Kottappuram. Following the loss of her mother in November 2023, Fareena found solace and a way to cope with her grief by immersing herself in books at the terminal. Her solitary reading sessions eventually caught the attention of regular visitors, who began inquiring about borrowing books. This sparked a realization in Fareena: despite a perceived decline in reading habits, a genuine interest for books still existed. Inspired by this, she decided to share her personal book collection, initially around 100 volumes, with the community. The challenge of finding a suitable bookshelf was overcome with the generosity of acquaintances and social media support, notably from local author Jabir Pattillam, who donated the first bookshelf.
Growth and Community Support
Officially inaugurated in March 2024, 'Velicham' (meaning 'light' or 'enlightenment' in Malayalam) quickly gained traction, spreading its reach through social media buzz and word-of-mouth recommendations. The positive response led to a surge in book donations from well-wishers, and Fareena's BCom batchmates from Nehru College contributed another bookshelf, further expanding the library's capacity. Currently, the collection is housed in three bookshelves, boasting 975 books. Fareena harbors aspirations for 'Velicham' to become an officially recognized entity; she plans to register it with the Kerala State Library Council once the book count reaches 1,000. The library's operation is a testament to community spirit and shared commitment.
A Dedicated Endeavor
Fareena Kottappuram, who also manages a local playschool, demonstrates remarkable dedication by arriving at the terminal daily at 4:30 PM to open 'Velicham.' Her commitment extends to leaving magazines accessible for anyone to peruse. In instances where Fareena's schedule is demanding, whether due to activism or other commitments, the local tea shop owner steps in, using a spare key to open the bookshelves. The library's continuity is also ensured by Fareena's children, Hasil Safar and Safa Safreen, who assist in managing the library during her absence. Fareena credits her husband, Abdul Samad, and her entire family for their unwavering support, which is crucial for sustaining this valuable community initiative. The library also benefits from the trust and responsibility shown by the residents, who diligently return borrowed books, and even families along the riverbank encourage their children to visit and borrow reading material.
