Public libraries, by definition, are ‘social institutions’ that provide basic information for the social, economic, educational and cultural development of the citizen and promote lifelong learning of the poor and marginalized public. They also play a vital role in enabling the population to become ‘informed citizens’. Over the years, the public library system in India has deteriorated so much that it has almost become ‘defunct’. Today, only 25% of our population has access to public libraries in the country even after 75 years of Independence. There are many reasons attributed to this sorry state, the foremost being the lack of adequate funds and support from the respective state Governments. There is an urgent need to revive our public library system by adopting different or alternative methods.
