Opening of the First Salon Library

Date: 09 February 2022
Location: Welipillewa, Sri Lanka
Project: Hadawathinma Salon Library Initiative
Activity: Establishment of the first salon-based community library and book donations
Organisation: Isura Wickramarachchi Foundation / Hadawathinma
Support: Mr. Ranjith and individual book donors
Collection: Approximately 400 books

Turning a Simple Idea into Reality

9 February 2022 remains one of the most personally rewarding days of my social service journey.

The idea of establishing small libraries in places where people regularly gather had been in my mind for a long time. I believed that reading could become more accessible if books were placed in ordinary spaces that people visited as part of their daily lives.

The inspiration came from visiting Ranjith's salon and observing customers waiting for their turn to have their hair cut.

I began to wonder whether this waiting time could be transformed into an opportunity to read a book, discover something new or develop an interest in literature.

Although considerable time passed, I never abandoned the idea.

On 9 February 2022, we finally turned that vision into reality by opening our first Hadawathinma Salon Library at Welipillewa.

Establishing the First Salon Library

The library was established within Mr. Ranjith's salon, providing customers with access to reading material while waiting for their appointments.

The initial collection consisted of approximately 400 books, covering Buddhist literature, novels, translated works, educational publications, English books, children's literature and other subjects.

Books were arranged on dedicated shelves and organised into different categories, allowing readers to browse and select titles according to their interests.

The purpose was not simply to place books inside a business establishment. It was to create an accessible reading environment within a familiar community space.

Book Donations and Encouraging Children to Read

Alongside the library opening, we donated books to children, adults visiting the salon and people associated with neighbouring businesses.

We also arranged for young children visiting the salon in the future to receive books as gifts after their haircuts.

I believed that presenting a child with a book could be a meaningful way to encourage curiosity, learning and a lifelong interest in reading.

Seeing children eagerly opening and exploring the books was one of the most satisfying moments of the programme.

An Encouraging Community Response

The initiative received a more positive response than we had anticipated.

Children and adults showed interest in browsing and reading the books. Several visitors offered to contribute books from their own homes.

Even more encouraging was the interest expressed by individuals who wished to establish similar libraries in their own business premises.

This response demonstrated that a simple idea could inspire others and potentially grow into a wider community reading initiative.

Appreciation for Our Supporters

Like many of my social service projects, this initiative was made possible through the generosity and cooperation of others.

I remain deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, from those who donated a single book to Mr. Ranjith, who generously made space available within his salon.

Their contributions helped transform an idea into a practical community project.

The value of this initiative belongs equally to everyone who supported it.

Significance of the Project

The first Hadawathinma Salon Library represented an important development in my community service activities.

Rather than focusing solely on distributing educational materials, this project aimed to make books and reading a natural part of everyday community life.

It demonstrated that a library does not always require a dedicated building, extensive resources or a large financial investment.

Sometimes a bookshelf, a collection of donated books and a willingness to share knowledge are enough to create a meaningful opportunity.

My wider hope was to encourage similar libraries in salons and other public spaces, while giving unused books in private homes a new purpose.

If a book can add something valuable to another person's knowledge, or bring a smile to a child's face, that alone makes the effort worthwhile.

The library opened at Welipillewa on 9 February 2022 remains a memorable example of how a simple personal observation developed into a practical social initiative.

Project Concept & Coordination: Isura Wickramarachchi
Organisation: Isura Wickramarachchi Foundation / Hadawathinma
Community Partner: Mr. Ranjith
Project: First Hadawathinma Salon Library
Date: 09 February 2022