Promoting Rural Libraries: Key to Cultivating a Book Culture
Only a strong book culture can shape responsible citizens: DLO
Ferozepur, February 24, 2025: A thought-provoking discussion on “Rural Libraries: Status and Possibilities” was organized by the locals at Late Krishna Lal Lota Memorial Library and Book Bank, Guru Harsahai, in collaboration with the District Language Office (DLO), Ferozepur.
Librarian Vipin Lota, along with members Jaspal Singh, Vinesh Gilhotra, Jagsir Kumar, Harpreet Singh, Deepak Bindra, Gurmeet Raj Thind, Lakhwinder Sharma, and Sahit Sabha Guru Harsahai President Kulwinder Singh Bir, attended the event. Komal Sharma, an educator, was also present.
Vipin Lota and his associates emphasized their continuous efforts to guide the younger generation and students in the right direction, seeking support from the Punjab Language Department. Vinesh Gilhotra highlighted the challenge of selecting quality books due to a lack of reliable sources. All members agreed that curating the right books is crucial for library development.
Guest lecturer Davinder Nath stressed the importance of equipping libraries with books and resources related to science and technology to keep students updated in this modern era.
District Language Officer Dr. Jagdeep Singh Sandhu assured that valuable books from the Punjab Language Department would be made available at affordable prices. Besides, a catalogue of books from various publishers would soon be provided to enrich the library’s collection.
Dr. Sandhu also noted that three types of rural libraries are currently operating in Punjab: privately managed ones, those supported by the Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Delhi, and government-established libraries in villages. He urged collective efforts to strengthen these libraries and attract more readers, emphasizing that fostering a book culture is essential for nurturing responsible citizens.
Meanwhile, the library management committed to further developing the facility for readers.
The discussion highlighted the pressing need to establish and efficiently manage more rural libraries across Punjab, making this initiative highly valuable and meaningful.