A New Chapter For Public Libraries

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Tamil Nadu's ‘Friends of Library’ scheme is transforming public libraries by bringing books directly to neighborhoods. With just one library for every 80,000 urban residents, access to reading material remains limited. Could digital libraries be the solution to this challenge? And, is there room for more community spaces that promote learning and personal growth? The future of public libraries might look quite different.

Allahabad Public Library, Source: vibesofindia

The Tamil Nadu government made a major step in December to make the public libraries more accessible. Their ‘Friends of Library’ scheme was launched in 2500 libraries across the state. Under this scheme, 5 volunteers will be selected for each library and will be given 25 books to circulate in their neighbourhood for 15 days. It will provide last-mile connectivity and make books available to all readers.

In the 2011 census, libraries were notified for the first time, and it highlighted that there is a scarcity of libraries in urban areas. India has only 4,580 libraries in urban areas, which roughly translates to one urban library for over 80,000 people.

In a policy review of public libraries done in 2018, only 19 states had passed the library legislation, of which only 5 have the provision of a library cess or tax levy. It was also noted that states that do not have library legislation or have adopted it fairly later have lower literacy rates.

Saraswathi Mahal Library, Tamil Nadu, Source: Tamil Nadu Tourism

Kavi Narmad Central Library, Surat Municipal Corporation

In the absence of significant public resources that could fund libraries, many citizen-initiated efforts are being made to fill the gap. For example, a couple in Junagarh took matters into their own hands and started a public library of their own to help underprivileged students prepare for exams. Similarly, in Nagpur, two IT professionals started an initiative called ‘Library on Wheels’ during the onset of covid, which provides a free of charge mobile library service.

Source: 2011 Census | Nagrika

Number of Public Libraries in Urban Areas

In the 2023-24 budget announcement, a plan to set up a National Digital Library was mentioned. In this plan, states were encouraged to set up physical libraries at panchayat and ward levels and provide infrastructure for accessing the National Digital Library resources.

As India rapidly urbanises, there is a need to invest in urban community assets that enable its residents to live full lives beyond the basic needs of housing, jobs and basic infrastructure. Such community infrastructure as public libraries can not only enable people to learn but also provide opportunities for personal growth and provide community spaces for increased social interaction. Read more here.

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