Limited resources in rural India are major obstacles standing in the way of learning. Children in standards 1-5 struggle to reap the benefits of reading because their access to books ends at their school gates.

Recognizing these gaps, the Ambuja Foundation embarked on a mission to cultivate a culture of reading and learning beyond the classroom walls – fostering the concept of Community Libraries, to make books accessible to both children and villagers.

Established either on school premises or in dedicated spaces granted by the Panchayat or Village Committee, Community Libraries are open and accessible to all, providing open and accessible book collections for all ages. 

Why Reading Matters: Planting the Seeds of Literacy
For children, reading is not just for leisure; it provides the foundation for a life time of learning. Studies suggest that early exposure to books improves cognitive development and communication skills. Books educate, motivate and inspire. Books prepare us for success in school and beyond. And books open up new worlds of exploration and imagination. Sadly, a book-free home is all too real for many of the children living in poverty in India.

Unfortunately, children of rural India struggle to reap the benefits of reading – largely due to a lack of access to books and practices that inculcate the habit of daily reading.

The 2023 ASER report, titled ‘Beyond Basic’ highlights a stark reality. Despite high enrollment rates, about 25% of children aged between 14 and 18 couldn't read a Standard II level text fluently in their regional language.

And the lack of access to books is a key contributor, which perpetuates the never-ending cycle of educational disadvantage – India is home to the largest population of 287 million illiterate adults in the world.   

Reading plays a key role in personal development and academic success, contributing significantly to knowledge acquisition, vocabulary enhancement, and critical thinking skills. It forms the basis of skills required for a lifetime of learning – and having access to books is a key motivator for reading.

National Focus on Reading: A Shared Vision for Change
Realising the importance of reading, the New Education Policy focuses more on foundational literacy. Initiatives like 'Padhey Bharat' presents a 100-day reading challenge to encourage children to read for a joyful learning experience.

Ambuja Foundation actively supports these efforts by establishing open community libraries across India – working to improve language skills and the quality of education through various library concepts. like mobile libraries, reading programs, and e-learning tools. 

To further inspire young minds, Ambuja Foundation trains ‘Pustak Fairies’ (community volunteers) to bring the magic of reading alive.

Ambuja Foundation’s Journey
Starting in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Ambuja Foundation partnered with five government schools to open community libraries stocked with around 500 engaging storybooks in Marathi, Hindi, and English, fostering comprehension and igniting reading interest. These libraries act as open platforms that invite students to read and students are free to issue these books for home.

Today, these libraries nurture not just children's curiosity but also empower other community members. Mothers, once hesitant to even turn a page, find themselves drawn in, embarking on a journey of learning with their children. Farmers learn new agricultural practices and tips.

Expanding further, today, Ambuja Foundation has established 96 resourceful libraries and 150 hanging libraries in Varanasi.

Future Plans: Expanding Horizons with Reading
Encouraged by the positive response in Chandrapur & Varanasi, Ambuja Foundation plans to expand the reach and impact of the community library concept. 

Based on the success of existing libraries, they aim to strategically implement interventions in other locations like Bathinda and Darlaghat. Additionally, Ambuja Foundation plans to establish more mobile libraries for remote areas, organize reading workshops, and collaborate with schools, communities, local organizations, and passionate individuals – all in an effort to empower minds and build a brighter future, one library at a time.