kiranmai tutika I amaravati

In a move aimed at turning campuses into vibrant reading spaces, the Andhra Pradesh government has rolled out a first-of-its-kind initiative to nurture a culture of reading among schoolchildren by introducing ‘Library Stands’ in all municipal schools across the State. The initiative envisions small, open book kiosks within school premises that will function as mini-libraries, allowing students to freely borrow and return books while encouraging them to explore, read and learn beyond textbooks.

Under the programme, each school will be provided with a dedicated book stand stocked with age-appropriate storybooks, general knowledge titles, biographies, moral science books and children’s literature. Students will be allowed to freely select books of their choice, read them during leisure hours or at home, and return them after completion.

The initiative is being implemented by the Andhra Pradesh Libraries Department, in coordination with the Municipal Administration and Education Departments. Officials said the primary objective of the library stands is to cultivate a strong reading culture among children at an early age, particularly in urban municipal schools where access to traditional libraries is limited.

“These library stands are designed to make books visible, accessible and attractive to children. When books are placed openly within their daily environment, students naturally develop curiosity and interest in reading,” Krishna Murthy, a senior official from the Libraries Department said.

Unlike conventional libraries that operate for limited hours, the stands will remain accessible throughout the school day, allowing students to engage with books during breaks, activity periods and after classes.

The AP Libraries Department will be responsible for the procurement, classification and periodic replenishment of books, ensuring quality and diversity of reading material. The department will also issue guidelines on book circulation, maintenance and student engagement activities.

At the school level, teachers will oversee the maintenance and functioning of the library stands. They will monitor book issuance, encourage timely returns, and motivate students to explore different genres.

Speaking to Metro India, Md. Masthan, a teacher from CVR Municipal School in Vijayawada welcomed the initiative, saying,

“Many children do not have books at home apart from textbooks. Academic development is not limited to textbooks alone. Reading builds vocabulary, comprehension skills and confidence. These library stands will open a new world for them and significantly improve their reading ability and imagination.”

The Libraries Department added that the initiative would be implemented in phases, beginning with municipal primary and upper primary schools, and later extended based on feedback and performance. The model has been intentionally kept simple and student-friendly. 

There will be no formal membership or rigid borrowing procedures. Students can take books of their liking, read them, and return them to the stand, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership.

Officials said the library stands initiative is part of a long-term plan to integrate libraries into everyday school life rather than treating them as isolated facilities. In the coming months, schools will also be encouraged to organise reading hours, book discussion sessions, storytelling activities and student-led library clubs to further strengthen engagement. The programme is expected to benefit thousands of students studying in municipal schools across Andhra Pradesh, marking a step forward in creating inclusive, accessible and joyful learning environments.