Bhubaneswar: In a pioneering initiative, the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar has introduced ‘Flybrary’—India’s first-ever take-a-book library. This unique concept, developed by the Bakul Foundation in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India, allows passengers to borrow books for free, read them on their journey, and return them later.
Unlike airport libraries in cities such as Varanasi, Pune, and Bengaluru, which are restricted to lounge areas, the Flybrary offers complete freedom—allowing travelers to take books with them and return them either at the airport or by sending them to the Bakul Foundation. The initiative aims to make books more accessible and foster a reading culture among travelers.
The Flybrary consists of two shelves, placed at the Departure and Arrivals areas, where passengers can pick up books of their choice. The collection includes a diverse range of titles in English, Hindi, and Odia—covering coffee table books, National Geographic magazines, novels, self-help and motivational reads, as well as children’s books.
Bakul Foundation founder Sujit Mahapatra highlighted that this initiative builds upon their earlier experiments with open, unmanned libraries, such as the Little Tree Library in Forest Park and the Library in a Fridge at Ekamra Haat. “Our goal has been to create libraries in public spaces where people can casually engage with books, potentially reigniting their love for reading,” Mahapatra stated.
The concept for an airport library had been under discussion for years, but it was during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event that Mahapatra proposed the idea to Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department. Padhee enthusiastically supported the initiative, saying, “This is an amazing concept with a lovely collection of books. I will personally contribute some of mine to this wonderful effort.”
The Flybrary has already received an overwhelming response from passengers. Indian Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra was pleasantly surprised by the initiative and praised it as an excellent addition to the airport’s facilities.
Passengers can also contribute to the Flybrary by donating books, further expanding the reach of the Library Movement that Bakul Foundation is setting up across Odisha. With this initiative, Bhubaneswar Airport is not just facilitating travel but also inspiring a culture of reading, making the waiting experience more enriching for passengers.
