Koppal: Over 300 children in Koppal eagerly await the end of the school day—not to play, but to immerse themselves in reading through their self-created home libraries. This unique initiative, led by the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) and Kalike Tata Trust, has transformed young lives by fostering a love for books.
Since 2022, the program has also established child-friendly libraries in 133 gram panchayats (GPs), stocking each with over 300 books. GP librarians underwent specialized training to create inviting spaces and host interactive activities such as storytelling, book discussions, and Readers’ Theatre. ZP CEO Rahul Ratnam Pandey noted the program’s success in cultivating reading habits and inspiring creative thinking among children.
Maruti Naykar, district counsellor, highlighted the innovative approach of children with limited home space, who display their books on windowsills or hang them on strings. These home libraries have become a hub of activity, sparking family discussions and strengthening bonds. Children often share stories with parents, preserving storytelling traditions and inspiring young readers to write their own tales.
Sneha, a class 7 student from Mudenur village, shared, “My neighbors and older students visit my home library to borrow books or discuss stories.” Similarly, Bhagyashree, an 8th grader from Bijkal village, added, “My family enjoys the academic atmosphere and often discusses topics from the books I read.”
Encouraged by this success, Koppal ZP plans to collaborate with publishers and local vendors to supply quality Kannada books, ensuring the sustainability of these home libraries.
Read Also: