Country's first floating library in Sundarbans Southern Health Improvement Samiti, an NGO, is collaborating with the West Bengal Sarva Siksha Mission, for the launch of the first-of-its-kind floating library on a motorized boat. The free-of-cost floating library will cater to eight islands in the Patharpratima block of the Sunderbans initially. Union minister of state for tourism Sultan Ahmed will inaugurate the library at Ramganga Jetty No. 1 in Patharpratima block on Wednesday. The floating library will begin with 4,000 books provided by the Sarva Siksha Mission. "We want to take the number to 1,000. The books will include both texts for secondary and higher secondary levels," Ahmed told TOI. Union minister of state for tourism Sultan Ahmed will inaugurate the library at Ramganga Jetty No. 1 in Patharpratima block on Wednesday. The floating library will begin with 4,000 books provided by the Sarva Siksha Mission. "We want to take the number to 1,000. The books will include both texts for secondary and higher secondary levels," Ahmed told TOI. The authorities were inspired to take up the project by Dominique Lapierre. Between 1997 and 2002, the famous author donated four large motor boats on which mobile boat dispensaries are being run for the islanders of the Sunderbans. The floating library which has cost the government around Rs 50,000 will be anchored beside the floating dispensary. The authorities were inspired to take up the project by Dominique Lapierre. Between 1997 and 2002, the famous author donated four large motor boats on which mobile boat dispensaries are being run for the islanders of the Sunderbans. The floating library which has cost the government around Rs 50,000 will be anchored beside the floating dispensary. But the library will not be stationary. It will move from one island to another after a week so that most islanders can access it. But the library will not be stationary. It will move from one island to another after a week so that most islanders can access it. Siksha Bandhus attached to district Sarva Siksha Mission, who hail from the islands, will keep the islanders updated about the new arrivals in the library and teach them how to use it. Siksha Bandhus attached to district Sarva Siksha Mission, who hail from the islands, will keep the islanders updated about the new arrivals in the library and teach them how to use it. (Collected from Times of India archive) Regards, Ashis Biswas Librarian, Victoria Institution (College) -- This message has been scanned for viruses and dangerous content by MailScanner, and is believed to be clean.