A World of Books Opens at a Teacher’s Home in Alappuzha

Alappuzha: In the heart of Pattannakad, PC Baiju is opening doors to the magical world of books for students and working-class readers alike. A Malayalam teacher at local parallel colleges in Chakalathuvelli, Baiju has nurtured a personal library of over 3,000 books, reminiscent of a small, private reading sanctuary.

From his home library, anyone can borrow books free of charge. For those who cannot visit, Baiju even delivers them at their doorstep. The only expectation is that books are returned in good condition.

Baiju’s love for reading, kindled in childhood, inspired him to begin collecting books with his own savings. The library first took shape in his ancestral home in 2021, and with the construction of a new house, it blossomed into a grander reading space. Over 2,000 books were purchased personally, while others were gifted by generous friends and well-wishers.

Students affectionately call him ‘Baiju Sir’ and treasure the books he shares with them. Special collections are also arranged for children during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Each month, over 100 people of all ages borrow books from his library. The collection spans literary greats such as Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, O V Vijayan, M T Vasudevan Nair, Malayattoor Ramakrishnan, S K Pottakkad, and KR Meera. Even old Malayalam textbooks from grades 1 to 10 are preserved like rare gems. According to Baiju, KR Meera’s *Ghatakan* is currently the book in highest demand.

To support the library, a subscription-based scheme has been introduced in collaboration with DC Book Store, Kottayam. Contributors can donate between 10 and 100 rupees online and receive books equivalent to their contribution.

PC Baiju also serves as the secretary of the CPI M Pattannakad local committee and is a member of the district committee of the Progressive Arts and Literary Society, combining his love for literature with a commitment to community service.