About US
​Ravi Dhawan:
Co-Founder of Kitabe is an Undergraduate at Cornell University. He is studying Biology and Minoring in European Studies and Italian. His goal is to become a physician and engage in humanitarian projects. Ravi was born in Manlius, NY and loves traveling.
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Rohan Dhawan:
Co-Founder of Kitabe is a Senior at Fayetteville Manlius Highschool. He hopes to study Biology and Inequality Studies in college. Rohan was also born in Manlius, NY and plays tennis.
What is Kitabe?
Kitabe hopes to alleviate educational and reading disparities in our community by establishing free, lending libraries in remote locations. By partnering with local organizations, Kitabe hopes to set-up book centers under bridges, in trailer-park villages, and in rural communities.
Why?
Origins of Kitabe:
Kitab is the Arabic word for book. The plural form, Kitabe, appears in various Western-Punjabi dialects.Ravi and Rohan became aware of the lack of literacy programs in the Syracuse area through service projects. When volunteering in the area, they realized that individuals needed ways to connect with the world around them and reading was one way to do so.
What you can do:
Reading. It is a fundamental right. Reading is an important skill, impacting a person's ability to communicate with the world around them. It promotes imagination, and with it brings happiness. It opens the individual to the many languages and cultures in the world and their intersections with race and religion.
A book can act as a weapon against hatred, loneliness, and fear. A book can protect an individual against society's most dangerous elements, acting as a safe haven for the vulnerable. A book can tell a story about the past and propel the weak into the future.
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Unfortunately, many individuals still do not have access to books and cannot enjoy the benefits of reading. The introduction of modern "e-readers" and online reading platforms has only made reading easier for the wealthy. Access to public libraries can be difficult for many, especially for the homeless and those worrying about the next meal. While public libraries can act as a safe haven for some, their lack of presence in inner-city locations poses a disadvantage to those in need.
In order for our organization to work, Kitabe needs books!
You can donate used or new books by contacting us below.
Alternatively, you can visit our learning sites and drop off books in the "Kitabe Donation Boxes". Our current operating locations are labeled on the map below.
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If you have an idea for another location or would like to see something change, please contact us!
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This organization does not accept monetary donations.
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How it Works
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Donate Books by Contacting Us​​ or by depositing the books at one of our locations.
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Donated books are cataloged and placed in learning environment baskets.
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Staff checks learning environment baskets weekly. Books are changed and baskets are replenished.
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Staff interacts with community members. Staff will document changes that should be made.
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