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DUBAI: Three Indian expatriate women have come together to launch what they say is the UAE’s first online library of physical books for rent.
As the UAE celebrates ‘Month of Reading’ in March, Aparna Hariharan, Supraja Ramakumar and Archana Rajesh Kumar told Gulf News they founded the e-commerce library ‘Pick2Read’ as part of a program to offer delivery and pickup The digital detox program option for the service.
“We are like-minded, ambitious women whose decades of good friendship and trust have formed the foundation of this strong team,” Aparna said.
The three mothers said that the nostalgic memory of time and space and even reality experienced by flipping through the pages of the book is the spark behind the idea of Pick2Read.
As a digital detox initiative, Supraja says their business aims to keep people, especially children, away from unnecessary screen time and protect everyone from the “dark side of the web”.
According to Archana, by bringing together the best of both worlds, their e-commerce library “embraces technological developments but still helps to stay connected to our roots.”
Library at your doorstep
How did the idea of a doorstep library for brick-and-mortar libraries come about while online libraries offered e-books at your fingertips?
“As parents, it can be difficult for us to find time to visit the library on a regular basis, which is the main reason we launched Pick2Read Library on our e-commerce platform that offers home delivery,” Archana said.
However, the women didn’t jump right in – they spent nearly 10 months conducting research and market analysis to understand reading needs in the UAE.
At the same time, they started sourcing different types of books and eventually settled on a software partner. Finally, with the e-commerce license issued by Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, their dream came true.
How does it work?
According to the founders, the Pick2Read library works like any other e-commerce platform. Book lovers must register online on the Pick2Read website and select a membership plan. They can log in and choose the book or toy they want and place an order.
Users can receive books via home delivery, or they can choose to click and collect from one of the aforementioned facilities.
After reading the book, members must virtually request the return of the book before reordering it.
The e-library has an automated tracking system that sends reminders to ensure books and toys are returned on time.
Books and toys will be delivered or ready “click and collect” within four days of receiving an order.
how much does it cost?
Explaining the membership plan, Aparna said, “We have different plans for different reading needs. Our plans are priced based on the duration of the membership, and Dh20 per month is reasonable.”
“We have a special program for group members. We do have gift cards, and we also have a referral rewards program.”
their journey
Talking about their journey so far, Archana said, “We started with a small library of 3,000 books and a few members a little over a year ago, and it’s been great to see the growth in membership and collections.”
“As of now, our collection is approximately 7,500 volumes. We do have a lot of toys for the family, including board games, puzzles, educational games, etc. We make sure to keep adding books and toys to our collection.”
Commenting on their growth, Supraja said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with some of the most respected institutions and organizations in the UAE.”
“We look forward to more meaningful collaborations with schools, nurseries, research institutes and businesses,” added Archana.
Currently operating in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, the trio plan to expand their operations to Abu Dhabi in the near future.
The trio plan to launch a Pick2Read reading club, “Page Turners,” soon.
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