Gandhinagar
The Gujarat government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, is working to expand government libraries across the state, recognizing the importance of reading, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said on Friday.
The initiative builds on the Vanche Gujarat Abhiyan launched in 2010 by then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aimed to promote reading and enrich libraries with diverse book collections. Last year, the state decided to establish 64 government libraries at the taluka level, covering 50 talukas in 21 districts and 14 talukas in seven tribal districts. Of these, 53 libraries are operational, while 11 are under construction. Currently, Gujarat has 197 functional government libraries, and the state has approved 71 more libraries to be built this year. With this expansion, every taluka in Gujarat will soon have its own government library.
September 6 is observed annually as National Read a Book Day, encouraging citizens to dedicate time to reading and cultivate a lifelong habit. Gujarat’s libraries include 33 District Libraries, 150 Taluka Libraries, central libraries, mobile libraries, the State Central Reserve Book Depository, the State Art Library, and women-focused libraries.
These libraries see strong engagement, with central libraries hosting over 500 visitors daily, district libraries over 150, and taluka libraries more than 100 readers each day. Tribal communities are also being encouraged to read, with 14 libraries established across seven tribal districts to provide access to books and promote literacy.
Through these efforts, the Gujarat government aims to foster a reading culture and ensure knowledge and learning are accessible to all residents of the state.
