With 1,545 wards spread across 81 local bodies, efforts are on to ensure that each ward in the district has a functioning library.
Published Oct 12, 2024 | 9:00 AM ⚊ Updated Oct 12, 2024 | 9:00 AM
Kerala's Kannur set to become full-fledge library district
Driven by a passion for reading and learning, Kannur, the district known for its rich cultural heritage and frequent political clashes, is now undergoing a quieter but profound revolution.
The district is making strides towards an ambitious and transformative goal — of becoming a full-fledged library district, most likely by this year-end.
With 1,545 wards spread across 81 local bodies, efforts are rapidly progressing to ensure that each ward in the district has a functioning library.
“We began this initiative in 2021, fully aware of the transformative power of libraries. We aim to declare Kannur as a library district by 31 December this year and we are working tirelessly to achieve it,” Kannur District Library Council secretary PK Vijayan told South First.
A comprehensive study was carried out to identify wards lacking library facilities, particularly in hilly and coastal regions.
“In 2021, only 777 wards had libraries. We concentrated on these challenging areas first, and by joining hands with local bodies, we convened meetings and convinced people of the need for libraries,” he said.
Of the total 1,545 wards, libraries have already been established in 1,247, leaving 298 wards still in need of this crucial infrastructure.
One of the events being organized by the Council as part of promoting reading among people
The People’s Mission for Social Development has launched a campaign from 2 October to 1 November to commemorate Gandhi’s ideals, during which at least 25 new libraries are set to open.
This initiative, in collaboration with local bodies, the National Service Scheme (NSS), and Kudumbashree, underscores the district’s dedication to fostering literacy and knowledge accessibility.
“Kannur has always played a significant role in Kerala’s library movement, with a deep understanding of the vital role libraries play in shaping and nurturing society. Libraries are seen not just as repositories of books, but as vibrant centers of learning and community engagement,” Vijayan said.
The Library Council is of the vision that libraries, relevant to the needs of the new generation, have to be created, offering a blend of entertainment, information, and development — or in local language Vinoda-Vijnana-Vikasana Kendras.
“We call it the V Kendras, which are designed to meet the needs of the modern generation. We plan to ensure that each ward has a library that reflects the demands of the changing times,” Vijayan said.
“These libraries are not just about books. They are spaces for entertainment, physical activity, and development, offering something for everyone.”
“We aim to make libraries more than just quiet reading spaces—they are to be hubs of community interaction, providing a range of activities from reading to recreation. The goal is to transform libraries into information centers, offering essential services so that citizens do not have to visit local government offices for basic information,” he added.
The People’s Mission for Social Development, along with local bodies, NSS volunteers, Kudumbashree, and other agencies, are pivotal in driving the library movement. The initiative has garnered support from across the political spectrum, demonstrating a shared commitment to the cause.
Nine out of the 11 assembly constituencies in the district have had their MLAs allocate funds for the digitalisation of libraries, including procuring computers and other facilities.
Training sessions were also provided to ensure that library staff were equipped to handle digital cataloging. Soon, these libraries will offer a range of services that go beyond book lending, providing citizens with easy access to information they might otherwise seek at panchayat offices.
Earlier in 2022, Dharmadam Assembly Constituency, represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, achieved the tag of complete library constituency in India.
The initiative has also focused on promoting reading culture through various programmes and activities.
Reading competitions, women’s clubs, children’s clubs, and monthly book discussion groups have been organised to encourage active engagement with literature.
Payyanur taluk, which boasts 280 libraries, has taken a novel approach by encouraging each library to set up 10 reading groups. Over six months, these groups aim to read and discuss 60 books each.
A reading club holding its book discussion at Kannur
With 280 libraries participating, the district will read and engage with a staggering 16,800 books during this period.
While significant progress has been made, the district’s focus is now shifting toward the coastal regions, which remain underserved. “Libraries in coastal areas will be our next focus, ensuring that no part of Kannur is left behind,” Vijayan emphasized.
Moreover, it is expected that the library initiative has the potential to challenge the prevailing perception of Kannur as the epicenter of political violence.
“Every political party is supporting this initiative,” Vijayan noted, emphasising the collaborative nature of the mission.
Those behind this initiative viewed that in a district where political divisions often dominate the headlines, this united effort to promote literacy and knowledge could play a vital role in changing how Kannur is viewed, both within Kerala and outside.
Writer, orator, and activist MN Karassery shared his thoughts with South First. He expressed skepticism about whether the rise of libraries in Kannur will truly curb the district’s longstanding political violence.
“Historically, it was the Communists who championed the establishment of libraries, reading rooms, and the spread of literature in Kerala. In Kannur, a bastion of the Communist movement, you’ll find two-storied libraries even in the most remote villages. Yet, when it comes to the question of whether these institutions can put an end to political violence, I remain doubtful. Libraries have existed here for years, and the violence has persisted,” Karassery remarked.
However, he acknowledged the critical role of libraries and reading rooms in driving Kerala’s ongoing political and cultural renaissance.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
