Gujarat Approves 71 New Taluka Libraries to Strengthen Reading Culture

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a major step towards promoting literacy and a love for reading, the Gujarat government has approved the construction of 71 new government libraries at the taluka level. With this move, the state is set to achieve its vision of ensuring that every taluka has its own library, making books accessible to all sections of society.

The decision comes on the eve of National Read a Book Day (September 6), a day dedicated to inspiring people to cultivate the habit of reading.

Building on Last Year’s Landmark Decision

Last year, Gujarat launched a landmark initiative to set up 64 government libraries across 50 talukas in 21 districts and 14 talukas in 7 tribal districts. Out of these, 53 libraries are already operational, while 11 are nearing completion.

Today, 197 government libraries are functional in Gujarat, comprising 33 District Libraries and 150 Taluka Libraries, in addition to central libraries, mobile libraries, the State Central Reserve Book Depository, the State Art Library, and women’s libraries.

Announcing the expansion, a senior government official said, “Libraries are not just buildings with books; they are centers of knowledge, culture, and community. With 71 more libraries, we are fulfilling our commitment to make reading accessible to every citizen, from urban centers to tribal regions.”

A Growing Reading Movement

Government libraries in Gujarat are drawing an impressive daily footfall. On average, 500 people visit central libraries daily, while over 150 readers visit district libraries. District libraries with extended reading facilities see over 250 visitors per day, and more than 100 readers walk into taluka libraries daily.

These numbers highlight a growing enthusiasm for reading among the people, particularly the youth.

Empowering Tribal Communities

One of the most significant aspects of this initiative has been its reach into tribal talukas. To ensure inclusivity, 14 government libraries have already been established across 7 tribal districts.

A tribal student from Dahod shared, “Earlier, we had very few resources to read beyond school books. Now with the new taluka library, we have access to newspapers, magazines, and reference books. It has opened new opportunities for us.”

Inspiring Citizens Through Reading

The expansion of libraries is being seen as a way to encourage knowledge-sharing, skill-building, and overall social development.

Education experts have lauded the move. “In today’s digital world, libraries remain vital as safe, inclusive spaces for learning. Gujarat’s model of spreading libraries across talukas ensures that rural and tribal populations also get equal access to books,” said an educationist in Ahmedabad.