Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Friday announced that every taluka in the state will soon have a public library, with 197 already operational and approval granted for the setting up 71 more.

According to a press release, the state government had last year decided to set up 64 new libraries at the taluka level, including 50 across 21 districts and 14 in seven tribal districts. Of these, 53 are already functioning, while work on 11 is in progress. Once the newly approved 71 libraries are built, every taluka in Gujarat will be covered.

Currently, Gujarat has 33 district libraries and 150 taluka libraries, in addition to central libraries, mobile libraries, the state’s central book depository, an art library, and women’s libraries. On average, more than 500 readers visit central libraries daily, while district libraries attract over 150 readers, and taluka libraries see more than 100 readers a day. In some district libraries, daily footfall even crosses 250.

The initiative also extends to tribal communities, with libraries already established in 14 talukas of seven tribal districts to provide access to reading facilities and encourage book culture in these areas.

It is worth noting that September 6 is observed as National Read a Book Day every year to inspire people to take time out of their day to enjoy reading. DeshGujarat