Pick2Read, an online library opened in UAE by 3 expats serving as a digital detox initiative

Three Indian expat women have joined forces to open what they claim is the first internet rental library for physical books in the United Arab Emirates.

Aparna Hariharan, Supraja Ramakumar, and Archana Rajesh Kumar said they established "Pick2Read," an online library with delivery and pick-up options, as a digital detox initiative as the UAE honours the "Month of Reading" in March.

"We are successful, like-minded women who have built this strong team over decades of friendship and trust," said Aparna.

The three mothers claimed that the inspiration for Pick2Read came from the wistful recollection of transcending time, space, and even reality simply by turning the pages of a book.

Supraja stated that their company's goal with the digital detox initiative is to protect everyone from "the dark side of the web" and prevent people, particularly children, from spending too much time on screens.Supraja stated that their company's goal with the digital detox initiative is to protect everyone from "the dark side of the web" and prevent people, particularly children, from spending too much time on screens.

Their e-commerce library, according to Archana, "embraces the technological development but still helps to stay connected to our roots" by fusing the best of both worlds.

on your doorstep emerge when we already had access to e-books through internet libraries?

The primary motivation behind creating Pick2Read library on an e-commerce platform that offers door delivery service, according to Archana, was the difficulty that parents like myself had finding time to take time off to go to the library on a regular basis.

However, the women needed almost ten months to conduct market research and analyse the situation in order to fully grasp the reading requirements of the UAE.

They began looking for books in various categories at the same time that they chose a software partner. They were able to realise their ambition thanks to an e-commerce licence granted by the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

According to the founders, the Pick2Read library functions just like any other e-commerce site. Book lovers must join online at Pick2Read and select a membership package. They can log in, choose the books or toys they want, and then make their order.

Users can choose to click and pick up their books from one of the facilities listed, or they can have their books delivered right to their door.

Members must virtually register to return the books after finishing them before placing a new order.

To ensure that books and toys are returned on time, the electronic library has an automated monitoring system that sends reminders.

Within four days of getting the order, the books and toys will be delivered or kept available for "click and collect."

A variety of plans cater to various reading requirements. The plans are reasonable, starting at Dh20 per month, and are priced according to the length of the memberships, as per Archana.

The platform also have unique participation options for groups. It offers gift vouchers, and referral programme with incentives.

The library initiative started with just 3,000 books and a few members, over a year ago, and now witness a growth in memberships and the volume of collections says Archana reflecting on their journey to date.

Now, the library has about 7,500 books and a sizable selection of toys for the family, such as board games, puzzles, instructional games, etc. and the team ensures that their selection of books and toys are constantly expanding.