A public library in Karachi has avoided closure after a surge of online donations helped it meet and exceed its emergency funding goal within days, highlighting strong community support for citizen-led cultural spaces. Kitab Ghar, a small but growing public library initiative, had warned earlier this week that it faced shutdown due to a sharp increase in rent. The management said it needed Rs500,000 to relocate to a more affordable space and continue operations.
The appeal, posted online on Tuesday, quickly gained traction across social media platforms. Within three days, the campaign not only met its target but significantly surpassed it.
“Karachi… you did it,” the organisers said in an update. “We posted the first call for funds in the midst of planning our sabbatical, but you guys stopped us in our tracks. We met the fundraising goal in 53 MINUTES, and in three days, you TRIPLED it.”
Donations pour in from across the world
Organisers said contributions came through multiple local channels as well as international platforms such as Venmo and Zelle. Donations ranged widely in size, reflecting broad participation from individuals.
According to the library’s team, contributions varied from as little as Rs500 to as high as $1,350, which exceeds Rs370,000. The mix of small and large donations helped drive the campaign’s rapid success.
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Community members and supporters shared the campaign widely, turning it into a collective effort to preserve a public space dedicated to reading and learning. Public libraries remain limited in Karachi, making such initiatives particularly valuable for students and young readers.
Pakistan has long faced challenges in maintaining public library infrastructure. Experts often point to limited funding and urban development pressures as key factors behind the decline of such spaces.
Temporary relief and future plans
In addition to fundraising success, the library received further support from an unnamed benefactor. Organisers said negotiations are underway to keep Kitab Ghar at its current location for another 11 months.
This arrangement will allow the team to plan a smoother transition to a more sustainable venue. The management reiterated its commitment to relocation but said the additional time would help avoid disruptions.
To celebrate the milestone, Kitab Ghar plans to host community events aimed at sustaining operations. These activities will also help maintain engagement with its growing supporter base.
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“Thank you for saving Kitab Ghar,” the organisers said. “It’s an honour to serve every one of you.”
The story reflects a broader trend of community-backed initiatives stepping in to support cultural and educational spaces. In cities like Karachi, where public resources often remain stretched, such grassroots efforts play a crucial role.
For now, Kitab Ghar stands as a rare success story. A simple appeal turned into a powerful demonstration of collective action, ensuring that the library continues to serve its community.
