In a quiet corner of Neura in Tiswadi taluka, Bookworm Goa, an organisation with its deep commitment to children's literacy, is readying to write a new story. It is organising its annual jumble sale at House No 358, Wadabhat, Neura, Dongrim, from April 25 to 27.
So what's new? Director of Bookworm Goa, Sujata Noronha, informs, “We’ve done 11 years of a one-day event, but now we’re hoping to have a permanent location where we can receive donations in the form of goods and items and raise funds all through the year. It’s a sustainable effort.”
This means the jumble isn’t just an event anymore — it’s becoming a place, and Neura will be the permanent location from where the brand-new thrift store will operate. On April 25, Bookworm Goa will have a soft launch of the store, also known as Jumble Laya, at 6 pm.
The store promises to offer a variety of items like books, clothes, homeware, toys, and more, all donated and thoughtfully curated.
“There’s going to be a separate space for books because we collect a lot,” Sujata explains. “The house is divided into rooms, with different sections for different types of items.”
She adds that Jumble Laya is not a flea market where one can haggle for bargains or drop off junk. “We price the items ourselves. It’s serious fundraising. We spend months sorting, cleaning and even repairing items. We do this because we know why we are raising the money. It supports our work with children.”
Bookworm’s Mobile Outreach Programme (MOP) is one of its flagship initiatives. Started in 2011, MOP brings the magic of reading to over 20 communities across Goa through travelling libraries and regular storytelling sessions at community sites and care homes.
“We’ve been working in Indira Nagar, Chimbel, for 14 years. That’s our oldest community. Then there’s a 12-year-old community library at Cacra, at the foothills of Goa University. These are long-term relationships.”
With over 30 staff members and support extended to more than 100 government schools, Bookworm’s impact is wide-reaching. Jumble Laya, while a simple thrift store on the surface, is a lifeline to keep this work going sustainably and independently.
But opening a thrift store isn’t without its challenges. “Despite being very clear that we want things in working condition — no stained clothes, no torn shoes, no moth-eaten books — some people do treat the donation like garbage,” Sujata admits. “But our team handles every item because we care. It aligns with our ethics of recycling, reusing, and raising money for children.
Despite being very clear that we want things in working condition — no stained clothes, no torn shoes, no moth-eaten books — some people do treat the donation like garbage
Sujata Noronha, Director at Bookworm Goa
And how is the community responding? “It’s very new, but we have supporters who are excited. They’ve already said they’ll come. We’re very excited too,” she adds.
As Neura and Bookworm's well-wishers get ready to welcome Jumble Laya, it’s clear that this is more than just a shop. It’s a reflection of a community that reads, shares and gives back.
For more information, visit www.bookwormgoa.in or call 9823222665.