If you love books, you know about their magical qualities in making our lives fulfilling, happy and replete with knowledge. Don’t you wish others around you discovered this for themselves? If so, then we need you to volunteer to spread the good word. Let’s tell everyone it is #TimeToRead.
If you feel this internship is for you, please contact us at books@kunzum.com / +91.9773885003 / +91.9773885008
What is #TimeToRead?
It’s a public interest initiative by Kunzum to promote the culture of reading amongst all strata of society. Because we believe in the transformative power of books for individuals, and subsequently for society as a whole.
What is the #TimeToRead Internship?
A voluntary activity where you get those in your circle of influence to discover great books – so those who read find greater joy and satisfaction, and those don’t get drawn into a world they may never want to leave again.
There are specific suggestions we have on how you can achieve this – but we are open to any from you. These are outlined further below.
Where Do You Host / Organize Activities?
Kunzum has spaces at its bookstores in Delhi for you to use. And / or do so in your neighbourhood, office, school, a public park, any café – in other words, anywhere feasible for people to assemble.
While we encourage face-to-face interactions, you can do so virtually too if you need to.
Who is Eligible for the Internship?
Everyone. As long as you read (books).
You could be studying in school, or be a great-grandparent. You could be living anywhere, pursuing any occupation, conversing in any language. Education and experience are not important.
What matters is your ability to bring people together, organize activities for them, and staying socially engaged with them.
What is the Time Commitment?
Flexible – can vary from a few hours to a few days a month equivalent. But we do expect a certain degree of consistency so the momentum is not lost. You can also decide how long you want to stay a part of this – including keeping it open-ended for as long as you want to.
Commercials / Rewards / Recognition / Certificates?
The program does not offer any remuneration – nor is there any obligation upon interns and participants to make any purchases from Kunzum.
You can expect to derive a lot of satisfaction for your efforts. And there might be surprises too – in the form of books and goodies from publishers, and opportunities to interact with authors, designers, and the creative community in general.
Kunzum will also issue certificates of appreciation to those who have made an impact – even if in a small way.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
The following are just some ideas for you to take – select those you feel most comfortable with.
* BYOB Book Club / Meetups
Gatherings of people where attendees talk about books they have read, or just listen in. They can even swap books.
* Bookseller for a Day
Spend a day – or many days – at a Kunzum store playing bookseller! Interact with customers, assist them in making selections, and chat with them over coffee!
* Fairs to Sell / Exchange Books
Can be a pop-up where the community sets up tables, and / or you can invite Kunzum to set up a display too for attendees to buy and exchange new and pre-loved books.
* Books Curator
Most readers seek recommendations for their next read. You could be the curator – where you draw up lists addressing various interest groups. These can be based on your own reading, research, and interviews with other readers.
* Author Interactions
Who doesn’t enjoy meeting authors themselves? Such interactions stoke interest not only in the writer’s works but books in general. Kunzum can facilitate this considering our access to hundreds of authors – and also editors, designers and publishers.
* Promote Gifting
There is no gift that travels indefinitely as that of books. Urge others to gift books instead of the usual decorations, clothes, food and wine. Create communication campaigns. Put together gift boxes and subscriptions.
* Reading Challenges
Give targets to people to read a pre-agreed number of books over, say, 3 / 6 / 12 months. Everyone keeps their own score – sharing milestones reached with others. We could try to arrange books and certificates as rewards.
* Private Libraries
Advise people on how to design and curate private libraries in their homes, offices and communities.
Sounds great