In a heartening development for rural education, a renovated village library in the Neralage gram panchayat of Davanagere taluk has become a bustling center of learning. This initiative has successfully transformed a dilapidated historical structure into a modern resource hub, attracting students and villagers daily and significantly promoting a reading culture in the community.
From Dilapidated Hospital to Modern Learning Center
The transformation was spearheaded by Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) M Ambika. The project involved the meticulous restoration of an 80-year-old civil hospital building constructed during the British era, which was in a state of disrepair. The renewed structure now stands as a fully-equipped library, earning praise from higher authorities for boosting educational access and encouraging community involvement.
A Hub of Facilities and Daily Activity
The library is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs. It houses a computer room, a dedicated study room, a TV room, and a playing area. Over 25 students from classes 1 to 10 visit the facility every day after their school hours. Villagers utilize the space in the mornings to read books and newspapers, making it a community focal point throughout the day.
PDO Ambika shared details about the resources available. "The library currently has a collection of around 3,600 books, including novels, storybooks, general knowledge titles and syllabus-based books for classes 8 to 10. It also offers internet access, e-books, and audio-visual learning materials. A television installed on the premises allows students to watch educational programmes," she said.
Growing Demand and Community Impact
The library operates from 9 am to 7 pm, with a break between 1 pm and 3 pm. Its popularity is such that students have requested an extension of working hours until 8 pm. Ambika emphasized that books are procured based on user demand while keeping future needs in view. "Our aim is to cultivate a strong reading habit. I am happy that everyone, from kindergarten children and postgraduate students to elderly villagers, regularly uses the library," she added.
Librarian Lakshmi Bai credited the PDO's efforts for the library's effective establishment. She noted that aspirants preparing for competitive exams are also requesting reference books, a demand the PDO will address. The initiative has been widely appreciated by higher authorities.
Davanagere Zilla Panchayat CEO Gitte Madhava Vittal Rao praised the project, stating, "The library in Neralage gram panchayat has a beautiful ambience. The authorities have created an excellent reading environment, especially for children. This is a model library for the district, and others should emulate it." This revival stands as a testament to how preserving heritage and investing in community resources can together ignite a passion for learning in rural India.
