Gandhinagar: Ahead of ‘National Read A Book Day,’ which is observed annually on September 6th, the Gujarat government today announced that it will establish government libraries in 50 talukas across 21 districts.

To cultivate an interest in reading among the tribal communities living in the state’s tribal areas and encourage them to read more, plans are underway to establish libraries in all tribal talukas of the state. As part of this initiative, approval has been granted to open libraries in 14 talukas across 7 tribal districts. As a result, tribal communities in every tribal taluka of Gujarat will have 100% access to reading materials.

This year, the government plans to establish numerous subsidized libraries, making public library services readily available to avid readers throughout the region.

To inspire an interest in reading and promote knowledge through books, magazines, manuscripts, and illustrated educational materials, a new policy has been introduced to acknowledge and support public libraries across the state. This policy aims to facilitate the establishment and development of public libraries, ensuring they enhance literacy and spread knowledge. Beginning in the year 2023-24, the state government has approved a 100% increase in grants for subsidized libraries, eliminating the requirement for libraries to contribute 25% from public contributions. These libraries will now receive full grant support from the state. The state has also approved higher grant rates for different types of libraries, such as special libraries, city libraries, women and children’s libraries, and rural libraries. Additionally, there are plans to establish more subsidized libraries throughout the state.

To further support subsidized libraries, the Gujarat government has increased the award amounts for the Late Shri Motibhai Amin Library Service Award and the Excellent Library Service Certificate scheme by over 50%. The scheme now includes categories for visually impaired and special libraries, promoting a competitive spirit among the state’s subsidized libraries. DeshGujarat