Arunachal plans Book Cafes, digital libraries to create learning spaces

Itanagar: The Arunachal Pradesh government is planning to introduce Book Cafes, develop digital libraries and upgrade library infrastructure across the state to create modern learning spaces and promote a stronger reading culture among students and youth, Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona said on Monday.

Chairing a review meeting of the libraries department here, Sona said the government is committed to strengthening the state's library ecosystem and making libraries more relevant to the needs of present-day learners. The minister said the meeting focused on introducing the Book Cafe concept to encourage reading habits while transforming libraries into modern learning centres equipped with digital resources and collaborative spaces.

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"We want our libraries to become more relevant to the needs of today's learners," Sona said in a social media post after the meeting. He added that libraries should evolve beyond conventional reading spaces into centres that support innovation, creativity and lifelong learning.

Govt reviews plan to strengthen district library network

As part of the proposed reforms, the government also reviewed the feasibility of upgrading circle libraries into district libraries wherever required to improve access to quality library services across the state. Sona directed the department to undertake a comprehensive gap analysis covering infrastructure, manpower and operational requirements to identify areas needing immediate intervention.

"Libraries must evolve into vibrant centres of knowledge and lifelong learning," the minister said, asserting that the government's vision is to create accessible and future-ready library spaces that inspire learning and innovation across Arunachal Pradesh.

He said the proposed initiatives are aimed at building a stronger library network capable of meeting the educational aspirations of students and serving as knowledge hubs for communities across the state.