Banshkhali Coastal Public Library: Fighting Storms, Barriers and Changing Futures

Along the salt-streaked edges of the Bay of Bengal, where the monsoon swells and cyclones are an annual threat, a small library stands as a beacon of resilience, learning and hope. The Coastal Public Library, nestled in the Chhanua union of Banshkhali upazila near Chattogram, has endured over 16 years of storms, social resistance and environmental adversity to become much more than a place to read books, it has become a community lifeline.

With more than 9,000 books, hundreds of registered readers and daily visitors who walk three to four kilometres to reach its doors, the library’s story is one of unwavering dedication and quiet transformation in a region perennially challenged by climate change and structural barriers to education.

A Humble Beginning in a Cyclone Shelter

The Coastal Public Library began in 2010 inside a small, unused room of a cyclone shelter in the Boli Bazar area about 17 kilometres from Chattogram city. What started as an experiment, not initially intended to be a literary centre, slowly took shape as residents began to recognise its value as a space for learning and community engagement.

This coastal salt-farming region faces frequent inundation during the monsoon, with saline air, waterlogging and repeated cyclones quickly breaking down infrastructure. In such a tough environment, most social initiatives falter within a year. Yet the library persisted, slowly gaining momentum through sheer perseverance.

In 2017, a turning point came when a permanent structure was built on 28 decimals of privately owned land. With its own roof and physical space, the library could expand activities and collections, reinforcing its role as a hub of community learning.

Overcoming Social Barriers to Learning

In its early days, the library was not only fighting the forces of nature, it was pushing against local social norms that discouraged girls and women from accessing education freely. Some residents viewed girls reading books or visiting a library regularly as a “social risk” that might lead them to become “too independent” or disobedient at home. Influential locals occasionally expressed these objections openly.

Despite these challenges, founder Saife Anowarul Azim refused to back down. He recognised early on that the library could become a space of empowerment rather than just a collection of books. With the support of its earliest readers many of whom were girls and women, the library not only survived but began to reshape cultural attitudes toward education.

Today, girls who once rarely ventured outside their homes are regular visitors. Many report improved academic performance, broadened ambitions and greater confidence to express themselves within their families. For a community marked by social constraints and limited opportunities, this shift represents a deep social transformation.

Women at the Heart of the Library’s Growth

Over time, the library became not only a place of reading but also a source of employment and economic independence. Three women who were once regular readers now work as librarians, illustrating how education can translate into real economic agency. Among them is Nazma Akhtar, who oversees books and day-to-day operations. Nazma describes her role not just as a job but as a “life-changing opportunity.”

Library records show that around 95% of its more than 150 registered readers are women, a remarkable statistic in a region where female literacy and access to education have historically lagged behind.

Regular visitors arrive daily between 2 pm and 6 pm, often after long walks. Librarian Mubaraka Begum says around 40–45 readers come every day and, despite fatigue and environmental obstacles, few turn back. This commitment reflects not only a thirst for knowledge but also a vital sense of community ownership.

Preserving Coastal History: A Living Archive

In choosing April 29 as its formal opening date, the library paid homage to the 1991 cyclone that devastated Bangladesh’s coastal regions and left deep scars on local memory. The intention was deliberate — to ensure that future generations do not forget their past and learn from it.

Inside the library, one corner is dedicated to archived newspaper clippings, photographs and memorabilia from past cyclones. These items serve as a “living archive,” offering readers historical context on how natural disasters have shaped life on the Chattogram coast.

Such collections help readers situate their personal experiences within larger historical narratives, fostering resilience and encouraging informed responses to future challenges.

From One Table to Thousands of Books

In its earliest iteration, the library had just one table and two chairs. Today, it boasts:

• 14 tables

• 120 chairs

• 18 bookshelves

• More than 9,000 books

The collection spans literature, science, history, guidebooks and more. The repository continues to grow, becoming a valuable resource for students of all ages.

To bridge gaps in formal schooling, especially in science education, the library also established a Coastal Science Club. It houses science books, basic experiment tools and even a telescope — many students’ first direct encounter with such resources.

For students from low-income families, the library also provides free guidebooks for classes Six through Twelve. These materials are crucial for exam preparation and academic advancement in regions where educational resources are limited. Financial support is also available on a needs basis.

Rebuilding After Storms

The library’s physical structure, a two-storey tin and fencing building, has repeatedly borne the brunt of storms. In 2022, cyclone damage forced temporary closure. A year later, Cyclone Hamoon destroyed large parts of the building, threatening extensive damage to books and the facility’s very existence.

Despite these setbacks, Azim has refused to give up. He believes so strongly in the library’s impact that he continues to rebuild and restore it after every disaster. “I started this out of personal interest,” he said, “but later I realised it was changing people’s futures.”

The greatest challenge, he says, remains the threats posed by extreme weather, a poignant reminder of how climate change continually shapes the daily lives of coastal residents.

Plans are now underway to establish a vegetable farming project beside the library to create a small, sustainable source of income for its future operations. Although the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has provided some support, more resources will be needed to secure a permanent, storm-resilient structure.

A Symbol of Coastal Resilience

For the women and girls of Chhanua, the Coastal Public Library represents much more than books — it is:

• A safe space for learning and growth

• A community centre for discussion and mutual support

• A source of empowerment for women in a conservative environment

• A reminder of history and resilience against natural disasters

In a region where climate threats are not hypothetical but lived reality, the library’s existence for more than 16 years reflects the power of grassroots commitment in the face of adversity.

As coastal communities continue to confront cyclones, saline intrusion and seasonal flooding, institutions like the Coastal Public Library will play an increasingly important role not just as repositories of knowledge but as pillars of social cohesion and adaptive learning.