Could you talk about the goals of Töölö?
The goals are to build a neighbourhood library in the country. The goal is to build 1000 libraries in neighbourhoods across the country. Töölö started in Bangalore. The focus is on tier 2 and tier 3 cities. In tier 3 cities the acceptance of children in reading is faster and better. We have currently 50 libraries across the country. In the next few years, we hope to reach the 100 number much faster than we have been growing in the past 5 years.
Could you talk about the storytelling events organised by Töölö? How did you create the unique Toolo brand imprint?
Storytelling is an important aspect of the exposure to books, to make children love reading. Storytelling is a form of education for children. We have partnered with Kathalaya for many many storytellers. Storytelling for us, is where the brand is. We created the brand right at the very beginning and stuck to it. We created the brand platform by templating everything. The templates are replicated everywhere, creating consistency. We operate in a template model. That has been our modus operandi in many ways for branding.
Could you talk about your favourite Töölö storytelling?
All storytelling is special for me. Everytime with every storytelling, children’s eyes go wide, wider and widest. All storytellers are special – all of them.
Could you talk about your work in Preschools?
Along with the neighbourhood model, preschools is another focus area. We have noticed from the libraries that we are not able to convert non readers into readers. That is where the preschools come in. To create readers we have to start in preschools. In our work with preschoolers – we have a reader setting up the central library and also putting together the reading program. It makes a difference when you read to children regularly every day. Through reading and storytelling we started a program to help parents nurture readers at home. We also train teachers with helping children become readers in schools. Reading is a long and secluded journey. We built a rewards and recognition system. This is a three legged program we take to preschools
- Library – Setting up the library
- Programs for a. Children b. Parents c. Teachers
- Rewards and recognition program
Could you talk about your own journey while building Töölö?
It has been an exciting journey for me. It has been exciting to be part of this space. There has been a lot of learning for me. It is a supportive space.
On a personal note – I had been reading to my son since the very beginning, but for my daughter who was the second child I started reading late after 2 years. With regular reading, she started using long words and started by herself reading words from T-Shirts. She was featured in video using really complex words.
Sometime back, I had not been well and a friend came from Jaipur and started reading to me. I still hold on to special memories where we read aloud.
Story Practices 