LAHORE: A plan has been chalked out to introduce mobile libraries in the province to inculcate the habit of reading among people, with a pilot project starting in four areas of Lahore in the near future.

The plan has been devised by the law and order wing of the Chief Minister`s Special Monitoring Unit, which is discussing it with authorities in the city to run the pilot project in DHA, Gulberg, Model Town and Chauburji.

Under the plan, mobile libraries will go door to door to encourage people to develop reading habit. The National Book Foundation and major libraries will be consulted on details of implementation of the project.

Custom-built mobile library vans, motorcycles and bicycles will carry books on a variety of topics. They will visit residential areas, schools, restaurants and other public places daily to reach out to as many people as possible. They will also provide access to e-books.

A schedule will be notified to people of the days and places the libraries will be at.

Moreover, a specific music will be developed in enable people to recognise these vans.

These mobile libraries will operate on `rent-a-book` basis, and the Punjab Information Technology Board will develop a software to keep a log of the books issued.

Customised mobile library motorcycles and bicycles will be introduced for congested and impoverished areas. These motorcycles and bicycles will carry books in special boxes.