Revitalising village libraries

#Revitalising village libraries

In Kerala, village libraries, which are overseen by local self-government bodies, face significant challenges despite receiving substantial funding through taxes and building fees. 

Many of these libraries suffer from inadequate facilities, including poor lighting, insufficient reading materials, and lack of essential amenities like proper seating and sanitation. The current state of these libraries reflects a troubling gap between the resources allocated and the actual services provided to the community. 

One critical issue is the outdated and ineffective administration of these libraries. Often, the library committees are composed of individuals who have held positions for decades, with many members being elderly and out of touch with contemporary library practices. This entrenched leadership fails to innovate or adapt to the evolving needs of library users, resulting in a stagnation of services and a disconnect with the modern information landscape. 

The election process for these committees is frequently criticized for being non-transparent and ineffective, further entrenching these outdated practices.

To address these issues and rejuvenate the village libraries in Kerala, a reform in the administrative structure is necessary. Implementing a rule that limits the tenure of library office bearers to a maximum of three years would ensure a regular infusion of new ideas and perspectives. No person should be allowed as office bearer  for another term.

This change would help align library management with current trends and needs, fostering innovation and responsiveness. By establishing a dynamic and accountable leadership structure, Kerala's village libraries can be revitalized to better serve their communities and make effective use of the resources available.

-K A Solaman