Amid efforts to promote literacy and equitable access to educational resources, out of more than 70 public libraries across Kashmir valley, approximately 63 libraries are functional, while 9 remain closed — primarily due to non-availability of staff or lack of infrastructure, reveals an official government document.
Data accessed by the news agency suggests the highest concentration of functional libraries found in Srinagar district, which boasts at least 13 operational libraries, including prestigious institutions like SPS Central Library, City Central Library, and Gani Memorial Library.
In other districts with a strong functional presence include Baramulla with 12 out of 17 libraries functional, 8 out of 9 libraries functional in Budgam, 5 out of 7 libraries functional in Kupwara, 6 in Anantnag, 5 in Bandipora, 4 in Pulwama, 2 in Kulgam and Ganderbal each and 1 in Shopian.
However, on the flip side, 9 libraries across districts like Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam and Srinagar are marked “Closed”. Baramulla leads with the highest number of closed libraries (5), followed by Kupwara (2), and with closures mostly attributed to staff shortages and accommodation issues.
Those closed include, Tehsil Library Zadibal (Srinagar), border Block Delina, Kunzar, Tujjar Sharief, Pahlipora and Wagoora in Baramulla while Tanghdar, Kandi Karnah in Kupwara and Khansahab in Budgam.
The report further mentions that proposals are underway to upgrade Tehsil Libraries of Shopian, Ganderbal, Kulgam, and Bandipora to District Library status, indicating efforts to decentralize and strengthen library infrastructure.
The government has also initiated a drafting committee for comprehensive library legislation in J&K to address issues such as funding, staffing, networking, infrastructure, and promotion of a reading culture.
Meanwhile, frequent users and locals paint a different picture. ‘Many of these libraries’, they say, are in a state of neglect, lacking basic facilities —specifically a library in Sopore town, visitors complain of poor upkeep, low footfall, and almost no public outreach.
“The library has potential, but the collection is outdated and internet access is unreliable. It doesn’t match today’s academic needs,” said Adil Ahmad, a postgraduate student from Sopore—(KNO)
