Libraries Store The Energy That Fuels The Imagination
In a digital age dominated by screens and smartphones, an unexpected transformation is taking root in rural Jammu and Kashmir: a rising demand for libraries. As rural students face limited access to quality education and digital resources, a growing number of youth and educators are turning to libraries to bridge the gap. Across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the rising demand for community and panchayat libraries indicates a shift in aspirations. Students, especially in remote areas like Kupwara, Kishtwar, Shopian, Doda and Ganderbal, are looking for spaces not only to read, but to dream. Libraries as Lifelines While urban centres in the Union Territory have access to coaching centres and online learning platforms, rural and remote areas remain underserved. According to UDISE+ data (2021-22), over 60% of government schools in Jammu and Kashmir lack functional libraries, especially in hilly and rural belts. In areas affected by conflict or limited connectivity, this deficiency has long hampered access to quality education and current affairs. The pandemic further exposed the digital divide, as only 18% of rural households in J&K have reliable internet access. In such an environment, physical libraries are not a luxury –they are a necessity. Movement-Led Communities With limited government support, many libraries in rural Jammu and Kashmir have been built through local initiatives. Teachers, civil service aspirants, and non-profit are stepping up to fill the gap. In Pulwama, a young teacher started a community library inside a rented room, offering free access to books, newspapers, and exam guides. In Kupwara, youth volunteers are running a makeshift library under the banner “Kitab Ghar”, with donated books and a shared mission – to give children and students a place to dream. Panchayat Libraries in Demand Panchayats – India’s most local democratic institutions- are already responsible for managing basic education, sanitation, and management of welfare schemes. Adding library facilities at the panchayat level could transform them into centres of learning and opportunity, especially in regions where formal infrastructure is lacking. In Anantnag, a women’s self-help group pooled funds to set up a corner library in the panchayat hall In Udhampur, a youth-led initiative converted an old ration store into a library with local panchayat support. In Baramulla, a few panchayats have started community reading rooms with donated books and newspapers. In Ganderbal, the block development office Lar and the panchayat body have initiated a library room in the marriage hall, Manigam Lar. Barriers to Expansion Despite the growing demand, several challenges persist: No official library policy at the panchayat level. Lack of dedicated budget and trained staff. Shortage of books in regional languages (Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Gojri). No monitoring or maintenance system. Poor infrastructure- cold winter, no heating, limited lighting. Most rural libraries are run in unused classrooms, rented homes, or panchayat buildings with no regular funding or support.
The way forward To meet the demand for panchayat libraries, a structured policy approach is needed:
• Integrated library funding into the gram panchayat development plans
• Use the 15th Finance Commission grants to support library infrastructure
• Deploy trained volunteers or school teachers as part-time librarians
• Introduce mobile libraries in remote tribal areas and nomadic belts
• Partner with local NGOs and civil service mentors to supply books and training
• Establish public libraries at the panchayat and block levels
Conclusion The rising demand for libraries in rural Jammu and Kashmir is a symbol of silent transformation. It reflects a generation’s desire not just for literacy, but for opportunity and empowerment. These libraries, often built by ordinary citizens-are doing extraordinary work by turning abandoned rooms into gateways of knowledge. In a region often overshadowed by challenges, this movement of turning pages is turning lives. With the right support, it has the potential to reshape the educational landscape of rural J&K – book by book, reader by reader.
Kaisar Mushtaq
ka*************@***il.com