Celebrating Children’s Libraries in India

Over the ages, the library as a place has embodied the values of knowledge, reflection and lifelong learning. As library educators in present times, we can convey these vital aspects through our collections. We can also demonstrate our commitment to the values of inclusion, freedom, trust and openness by practising these values in the library as a place.

Such a library will always have a place in our hearts and minds.1 Libraries have never restricted themselves to be just places where books are stacked in shelves. They have become much alive and vibrant spaces today. And when it comes to children’s libraries, we want to see them brimming with joy and enthusiasm. It is a matter of immense pleasure that we can say this about the children’s libraries that have sprung across India. This is surely something we must celebrate.

A library must be a vibrant space with a diverse collection of books. It should give enough scope for the users to understand the world around them. It should also be dynamic, with a vision to reach out to its users and give enough scope for new users and readers. It must be welcoming, attractive and user friendly as well, while having a diverse collection and utilizing spaces optimally. These are some of the key attributes of a dynamic library space.

A good library begins with the library educator at the centre. The vision of the librarian needs to ally with the vision of the library. This vision also needs to be revisited at regular intervals.

Libraries should be social institutions with their objectives, functions and operations aligning with the communities they serve. They cannot be fostered just by legislation or whims of philanthropists.2 A lot more effort is required to make them dynamic and interactive.

Children’s libraries have emerged in diverse forms. These include community libraries, mobile libraries, and pop-up libraries. Most commonly they are found in school set-ups. They should be epicentres where children enjoy being surrounded by books, browse across bookshelves and experience the joy of finding their own books to read.

Taking ahead these experiences, libraries are engaging with children through a range of book related activities. They are encouraging them to become readers. They are introducing them to not just stories, but to complex themes as well.

Libraries are also providing a loving, compassionate ear to what children have to say. They are reaching the remotest of locations as well. They are envisioning to become safe spaces for children in conflictridden zones. They are setting the narrative for mental health and well-being of children and adults.

This reminds us of what Maya Angeleou has shared while saying how a library saved her own life as a child:

When it looked like the sun would not shine anymore
God put a rainbow in the clouds Look at that — look at that!
That’s a library — a library is a rainbow in the clouds.
Stories of such libraries instil us with hope.

A large number of such libraries have started to evolve in India. One of the contributing factors have been the vibrant effects of library related courses and training programs. The rise in the publication of children’s literature in the country is also a facilitative part of this process. The human element in the library set-up is very critical. Courses for library educators are enabling practitioners and educators to learn the art of library practice.

A lot of appreciation also needs to reach out to children’s books’ authors, illustrators, translators, publishers, and all those engaged in publishing diverse children’s literature. There has been a significant increase in publishing critical children’s literature across multiple age groups. The themes have also become diverse over the years. The content is evolving to become more inclusive.

These strands of children’s literature leave behind a lot of curiosity, thoughts and excitement, for both readers and library practitioners. Many good books are also being translated to other languages. However, a lot of effort is still needed on this front. The publication of good books have definitely added a spark to children’s libraries. But given the size of our country and its diversity, much deeper thought is required to ensure that these books reach out to all the children.

This Samuhik Pahal issue has focused on two aspects: First, the views of a diverse set of people who are enabling libraries, and who have contributed with their thoughts and reflections on children’s libraries. An effort has also been made to gather the ideas of authors, illustrators and editors on the publishing of children’s literature. Second, there is a focus on library initiatives from across the country. These initiatives are opening up books for children, where words and illustrations act as songs for them.

These libraries are not just holding a collection of books that are sourced from outside and curated. They are also contributing to some wonderful creations in children’s literature. They are becoming the voices of children and their communities. This is why such libraries are worth celebrating.

These children’s libraries make space for every way of being. They uphold inclusion and diversity. Each of these libraries has its own story of origin, survival and thriving. Of course, they come with their own struggles and challenges as well. This gives us more reasons to share, learn and get inspired.

Let us first begin by getting to know them, and celebrate them. This could help us imagine and explore their immense potential and possibilities.