CH NEWS, HUBBALLI
National Librarians Day is observed on August 12, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, regarded as the father of library science.
Dr. Suresh Dharmappa Horakeri, a librarian and social worker, believes libraries play a vital role in building knowledgeable and responsible citizens. He says books improve understanding, while libraries make diverse knowledge accessible to everyone.
Horakeri’s work reflects this belief. He has contributed to library development and social service through environmental, educational and cultural initiatives. He has served as secretary of the Rani Channamma Environmental Service Committee and Basava Environmental Protection Committee, while also supporting literacy and science awareness activities. His efforts connect books, learning and community service, giving libraries a wider social purpose.
He earned his Ph.D. in Library and Information Science under Dr. Gururaja Hadagali at Karnataka University. His career combines professional discipline with public service.
He has helped develop library facilities, organized literary and cultural programmes, and encouraged environmental awareness through tree planting and water conservation campaigns. His commitment has earned him several awards and honours.
Horakeri’s simple and service-oriented approach has remained strong despite setbacks and criticism. He values honesty, discipline, patience and respect for others, and believes librarians should understand readers and guide them according to their interests. He has also taken responsibilities in professional and literary organisations, including the Karnataka Vachana Sahitya Parishad and library associations. His work has earned recognition from educational and social organisations.
His journey shows that a librarian can be more than a keeper of books. By linking knowledge with service, he continues to strengthen communities.
