Vadodara Hosts Asia’s Only Library Cooperative Society

Vadodara, Gujarat — Vadodara, known as ‘Sanskar Nagri’ (cultural capital of Gujarat), is home to a unique and historic institution—the only library cooperative society in all of Asia. The Gujarat Library Subsidiary Cooperative Society, founded in 1924 under the visionary leadership of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad, continues to be a beacon for knowledge dissemination across the state.

Over 100 years later, this society still functions with the same zeal, supporting more than 1,200 public libraries across Gujarat. With a legacy rooted in literary empowerment, it has also published over 725 books, including the debut works of several celebrated Gujarati authors.

“A library is not just a building full of books; it’s a festival of knowledge,” said Thakorbhai Patel, the current president of the society. “Sayajirao Gaekwad understood this early on, and we are proud to carry forward his legacy.”

The foundation of this movement was laid in 1910, when a dedicated Library Department was established by the then Vadodara state. Just a year later, Gujarat’s first and largest central library came into existence in Vadodara. By 1947, the state boasted over 2,300 libraries, making it a frontrunner in literary infrastructure and public education.

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Notably, the idea of organizing libraries under a cooperative structure came to life in 1924, when Motibhai Amin, fondly called the “Pearl of Charotar”, initiated the Gujarat Library Assistant Cooperative Society. The aim was simple yet powerful—to ensure easy access to books from various authors and publishers and to distribute essential stationery for libraries under a shared system.

“It’s the only society of its kind in Asia,” said literary historian Chandrashekhar Patil, who has extensively documented Vadodara’s library evolution. “Even Kerala, known for its literary richness, has a writer’s cooperative but no dedicated library cooperative.”

The model was revolutionary. Rather than individuals, public libraries themselves are members of the cooperative. This decentralized, democratic structure has helped sustain library activities even in remote towns and villages.

The cooperative published landmark first works of literary stalwarts like P. Yogeshwar, Babubhai Vaidya, Rasik Mehta, Jayanti Dalal, and Khalil Dhantejavi. Its most printed work, Shrimad Bhagwat Rahasya by Dongreji Maharaj, has seen more than 20 editions, a record in regional religious literature.

Apart from book publishing and distribution, the society has played a vital role in affordable reading, offering a permanent 10% discount on book sales, and an additional 10% during Chaturmas. It also organizes annual reading examinations to promote literary engagement among readers.

Operating from Sanstha Vasatha in Vadodara, this knowledge hub remains active and influential. Its unique structure not only supports libraries but also preserves Gujarat’s deep-rooted reading culture—nurtured since the Gaekwadi era.

In a time when digital media is rapidly overtaking traditional reading habits, Vadodara’s library cooperative society stands as a rare and resilient monument to community-driven education and the timeless value of books.