Panaji: Children and adolescents in Goa will soon gain access to the latest books and National Digital Library resources through 168 libraries across the state. To further strengthen outreach, govt also plans to introduce container libraries, expand library services to more communities and improve access to knowledge resources.State govt will spend over Rs 74 crore on the project. It is introducing an innovative container-type library model to expand library services across Goa. These modern, prefabricated libraries are designed for rapid installation and can be established at locations where conventional construction may not be feasible.The container-type library concept offers a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable solution, enabling quality library infrastructure to be created within a shorter timeframe while ensuring comfortable, technology-enabled and community-friendly learning spaces.In the first phase, 13 container-type libraries are proposed to be established across the state, further strengthening govt’s vision of making library facilities accessible to every community, a senior govt officer said.To promote reading habits among children and adolescents, state govt has undertaken several initiatives under the Children and Adolescents’ Libraries and Digital Infrastructure Scheme. These include the construction of 78 new libraries in gram panchayats, the renovation of existing buildings to establish 79 additional libraries in gram panchayats, and the refurbishment of buildings to set up 11 new libraries in municipal areas.During the presentation of the Union Budget 2023-24, the Union finance minister had announced the project of setting up National Digital Libraries for Children and Adolescents. This project facilitates the availability of high-quality, non-curricular books across geographical boundaries, languages, genres, and other levels, ensuring device-agnostic accessibility to bridge pandemic-time learning losses.With the initiative of CM Pramod Sawant and art and culture minister Ramesh Tawadkar, state govt is encouraging the establishment of libraries at the grassroots level — in panchayats and municipal wards. Govt is also providing the necessary infrastructure to enable access to centralised digital resources, a senior official said.“To enrich these centres, collaborative arrangements are envisioned with the National Book Trust, Children’s Book Trust, financial sector regulators (to build financial literacy), and prominent literacy-focused NGOs,” the officer said.The officer said that the state holds a unique legacy with the Krishnadas Shama Goa State Central Library, which stands as the oldest public library in India. Operating under the administrative control of the directorate of art and culture, it maintains an extensive network across districts, talukas, towns and villages.“This digital infrastructure project directly scales up that rich institutional heritage,” the officer said. “The initiative aims to provide accessible, inclusive and vibrant knowledge centres that promote reading, lifelong learning and community engagement. The project is being implemented through the Infotech Corporation of Goa.”
