Book Bikes - Girls Reading to Succeed

Thanks to the continued support of our donors, Alif Laila Book Bus Society’s Book Bike (Cycle Library) continues to take books, stories and creative learning directly to children who have limited access to reading resources.

During May–July 2026, the Book Bike reached approximately 280–300 children through regular reading and learning sessions. Operating twice a week, the little library on wheels is creating something much bigger than access to books—it is creating a welcoming space where children can read, imagine, ask questions, create and express themselves.

Turning Reading into an Experience

For many of the children we work with, books are not something they have regular access to at home. The arrival of the Book Bike therefore becomes something they look forward to.

Children are encouraged to choose books based on what interests them rather than simply being told what to read. Some are drawn to picture books and traditional stories, while others discover interests in animals, nature, sports and even climate and the environment.

Our storytelling sessions bring these books to life. Children listen, predict what might happen next, discuss characters, connect stories to their own experiences and, importantly, find the confidence to share their own ideas.

Over time, we are seeing children move from simply listening to actively participating, questioning, discussing and choosing books independently.

Sometimes a Puppet Opens the Door to a Book

One of the most loved parts of the Book Bike continues to be our jungle-themed puppet shows.

Puppets, storytelling, colouring, drawing, art and craft activities help us reach children with different interests and learning styles. We have found that a child who may initially hesitate to pick up a book may happily join a colouring activity or puppet show. Once they feel comfortable and engaged, curiosity often leads them towards the books.

This quarter, we expanded these creative activities so that the Book Bike could offer children multiple ways to participate and express themselves.

And the children themselves tell the story best:

“I like colouring and reading stories.” — Fareena

“I like puppet shows and animal books.” — Shehbaz Ali

“I like books on climate.” — Faheem

These may sound like simple statements, but to us they represent something important: children are beginning to identify what they enjoy reading and who they are becoming as readers.

Impact Beyond the Book Bike

The impact is also beginning to travel home with the children.

Parents have shared that their children are showing greater interest in reading at home, retelling stories they heard during Book Bike sessions, asking more questions about books and participating more confidently in school activities.

Parents particularly appreciate having a positive alternative to excessive screen time, a space where their children can spend their free time reading, creating and interacting with others.

Through regular participation, we are observing progress in several areas:

• greater interest in books and reading;

• increased confidence in speaking and sharing ideas;

• more active participation during stories and discussions;

• opportunities for imagination and creative expression;

• positive and constructive use of children's free time; and

• growing curiosity about subjects beyond their everyday experiences.

A New Community, and More Children Joining

On 25 July 2026, the Book Bike moved to Rehan Garden, where sessions are now being conducted by Miss Iffat.

The response has been very encouraging. Since the move, the number of participating children has been steadily increasing, showing us once again how important it is to bring learning opportunities into places that are accessible and welcoming to families.

The Book Bike is gradually becoming more than a mobile library. Wherever it stops, it has the potential to create a small community learning space, a place where children gather to read, play, make things, talk to one another and learn together.

Your Support Keeps the Wheels Turning

Every Book Bike session is made possible because people believe that a child's opportunity to discover books should not depend on where they live or what resources their family can afford.

Your support helps us take books directly into communities, conduct storytelling and puppet sessions, provide creative materials and, most importantly, give children regular opportunities to experience the joy of reading.

During this quarter alone, approximately 280–300 children had that opportunity.

As participation grows at Rehan Garden, we hope to continue strengthening the Book Bike and reaching even more children with consistent, joyful learning experiences.

Thank you for helping us keep this little library moving.

Together, we are not simply delivering books, we are helping children discover curiosity, confidence, imagination and a love of learning, one Book Bike visit at a time.

With gratitude,
Alif Laila Book Bus Society