The revitalisation of Karnataka's rural libraries began in earnest after the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj took over their administration in 2019.
Published Oct 09, 2024 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2024 | 2:55 PM
Children to senior citizens, rural libraries serve as accessible resources for entire communities. (Uma Mahadevan-Dasgupta/Twitter)
Rural libraries in Karnataka are undergoing a quiet revolution. Once underutilised and often forgotten, they are now evolving into vibrant centres for learning, cultural exchange, and social interaction.
From school children to senior citizens, these libraries serve as accessible resources for entire communities, especially in rural areas where educational tools can be scarce.
The revitalisation of Karnataka’s rural libraries began in earnest after the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj took over their administration in 2019.
Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, explained how the state worked to revamp nearly 5,900 libraries, making them inclusive and accessible. During the Covid-19 pandemic, these libraries became a lifeline for students, offering a space for continued learning while schools remained shut.
ಮಕ್ಕಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಓದುವ ಹವ್ಯಾಸಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಗೂಡುಗಳನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.ಉಪಯುಕ್ತ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಲಭ್ಯವಿದ್ದು ಪುಸ್ತಕಗಳನ್ನು ಓದುವ ಇಲ್ಲವೇ ಮನೆಗೆ ತೆಗೆದುಕೊಂಡು ಓದಿ ಮರಳಿ ಗೂಡಿಗೆ ತಂದಿಡಲು ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ. ಓದುವ ಹವ್ಯಾಸ ಮೂಡಿಸುವ ಪರಿಕಲ್ಪನೆಯಾಗಿದೆ.
ಕೊಪ್ಪಳ ಜಿ ಕನಕಗಿರಿ ತಾ ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಾದಿನಾಳ ಗ್ರಾ.ಪಂ.@PriyankKharge@readingkafka pic.twitter.com/IzFsHYKbUz— Koppal Zilla Panchayat (@ZP_Koppal) October 7, 2024
Key initiatives include the Pustaka Jolige programme, which encourages book and technology donations, the renovation of libraries, and the installation of digital infrastructure like computers and audio-visual resources.
Libraries have also been fitted with assistive technologies for the visually impaired, ensuring that access to knowledge is inclusive.
With over 4.9 million children enrolled as members and more than 1.5 million books donated, these libraries have become essential for students in rural Karnataka.
ಇಂದು 12 ರಿಂದ 18 ವರ್ಷದ ಮಕ್ಕಳಿಗೆ “Soft Skill and Literacy Enhancement Program” ಕುರಿತು ಶ್ರೀ Mr. Vinay Patil ರವರಿಂದ ಆನ್ಲೈನ್ ಮುಖಾಂತರ ತರಬೇತಿಯನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು.@readingkafka @CommrPR @CommrPR @mopr_goi @PriyankKharge @deobelagavi @ZP_Belagavi #Arivu_kendra #library #Marihal #skills pic.twitter.com/4WwKiEcIML
— ಗ್ರಾಮ ಪಂಚಾಯತ ಗ್ರಂಥಾಲಯ ಹಾಗೂ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಮಾರೀಹಾಳ. (@marihallibrary) October 5, 2024
Many rely on them to prepare for competitive exams such as the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS), police, and forest service exams.
“These libraries are helping students study together, with many clearing competitive exams by utilising the resources available,” Dasgupta said.
Rural libraries are doing more than just distributing books; they are fostering a sense of community. Government officials, including Minister Priyank Kharge, have led initiatives asking the public to donate books instead of gifts during official visits.
Priyank Kharge has distributed over 4,500 books to libraries. (Supplied)
Adarsh Kumar HN, Media Advisor to Kharge, shared with South First how this initiative resulted in more than 4,500 books being distributed to libraries in districts like Gulbarga and Bengaluru.
Kharge’s campaign to accept only books for libraries has created a culture of giving, where individuals and corporations alike donate not just books but also digital resources and infrastructure.
BJP MLC CT Ravi also spoke about how, during his tenure as a minister, he encouraged visitors to bring books instead of gifts, helping stock the shelves of rural libraries.
“Many cannot afford books, but these libraries are giving them the resources to improve their knowledge base,” Ravi said, emphasising the importance of making books accessible to all.
Karnataka’s vision for its rural libraries doesn’t stop with books. Future plans include expanding the network of libraries, with 6,599 new libraries announced in August 2024.
These new additions will include digital libraries, offline and online learning resources, and internet access. By March 2025, the state aims to have over 12,000 libraries, with a focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all, including the disabled.
Training for librarians of our rural public libraries in how to make their libraries child-friendly. 🌷🌿🧩 pic.twitter.com/PKLECjvok6
— Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta (@readingkafka) September 30, 2024
Moreover, librarian training programmes are underway to ensure staff are well-equipped to manage these digital libraries.
The state has already trained 3,500 librarians and launched a six-month certificate course in collaboration with the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) University to improve the management and service of these institutions.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
