Festival of Libraries seeks to develop model libraries

The Festival aimed at initiating conversation on the digitisation and development of libraries and igniting the resurgence of a reading culture. The goal is to develop model libraries in India at all levels, including villages and communities. 

The event featured roundtable discussions, panels, and interactions with literary festival organisers, authors, and publishing houses. Special sessions focused on library schemes and collections, including National Missions on Libraries Manuscripts and Archives. 

The festival aimed to encourage reading, particularly among children, and bring together stakeholders to create a roadmap for libraries' vital role in the community.

President of India Droupadi Murmu, in her inaugural address, said, “I am impressed by the multifaceted concept of this Festival of Libraries and the impeccable execution it has witnessed. The festival resonates with glimpses of intellectual musings, refined tastes, and resolute intentions, each facet brilliantly on display. I am confident that the endeavours set in motion through this festival will prove remarkable and extremely useful. The evolution of libraries intertwines seamlessly with the fabric of society and culture, serving as a yardstick for the advancement of civilisations and the nurturing of cultures.”

She added, “I suggest that libraries should be popularised as drawing rooms and study of the community. Libraries, in addition, should become hubs of social engagement and should serve as sanctuaries for introspection and self-improvement.”

MOS, Ministry of Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi, said, “By celebrating the diversity of knowledge and encouraging reading habits, the festival paves the way for a more informed and empowered society, nurturing a thirst for learning and inspiring progress across the country.”

Mugdha Sinha, joint secretary of the Union Ministry of Culture, said, “The festival aims to initiate a dialogue on the modernisation and digitisation of libraries and ignite a resurgence of the reading culture in India. By facilitating advocacy for action-oriented policies, the festival seeks to develop model libraries even at the village and community levels, ensuring that knowledge reaches every nook and corner of the nation.”

On the first day of the event, to recognise and acknowledge exceptional libraries nationwide, the National Library Ranking Format was introduced. The Directory of Libraries (Volume I), aimed at encouraging readership and promoting visits to various libraries across India, too was launched. Furthermore, to enhance readers’ convenience, the Biblio-on-Demand service was launched, offering prompt access to any desired book. 

The day concluded with the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of Delhi Public Library’s modernisation, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving user experiences and modernising the Delhi Public Library. 

The valedictory ceremony of the Festival was graced by the presence of the Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar. He said, “This festival of libraries will prove as a platform to showcase iconic libraries from and around the world. There will be data mapping from libraries from metros down to villages. In recent times, I have seen ministry taking several first-of-its-kind steps. This is the country’s first-ever festival of libraries. The focus areas, digitisation and access for all, is a milestone development. The world is changed when you have rich human resources. The spinal strength, the backbone of any human resource, if it has to achieve great results is knowledge and learning and that comes from mostly knowledge of the past. I am sure good things are around the corner.” 

Mugdha Sinha added, “The Festival of Libraries 2023 has been a resounding success in creating a collaborative platform for sharing best practices and ideas from libraries worldwide. We are committed to implementing the outcomes of these discussions to revitalise and digitise libraries across India. Through this initiative, we aim to create libraries that are not only repositories of knowledge but also vibrant spaces that inspire creativity, research, and community engagement.”

The festival featured a diverse range of engaging activities, including roundtable discussions, interactive panels, and insightful conversations with organisers of literary festivals, young authors, and publishing houses. Special sessions were dedicated to exploring schemes for library development, including the National Missions on Libraries Manuscripts and Archives.