In a significant push towards strengthening the public library network in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the administration has approved the upgradation of the Zonal Library at Mayabunder into a District Library. The decision, taken by the Directorate of Education, marks a recognition of the rising demand for reading material, reference services, and modern learning spaces among residents of North and Middle Andaman district.
The Mayabunder District Library will now serve as the principal library for the entire district. This transition is not just in title but also in substance, with plans for comprehensive improvements in infrastructure, resources, and services. The facility is expected to see a substantial augmentation of its collection, spanning books, journals, periodicals, and digital resources, ensuring that users have access to a wider spectrum of knowledge sources.
Officials have stated that the new status also entails a modernization of reading spaces and user amenities. Comfortable reading areas, improved lighting, and better access to digital learning tools are part of the proposed enhancements. To manage the increased scale of operations, additional qualified staff will be deployed where required, ensuring that readers and researchers receive timely and efficient services.
Another key feature of the upgrade is the introduction of outreach programmes and literary initiatives designed to engage diverse sections of society. These include targeted efforts for students, teachers, researchers, and the general public. Such programmes are expected to extend the library’s reach beyond its physical premises, making it a hub for intellectual exchange and cultural engagement across the district.
Libraries in smaller towns often struggle with limited infrastructure and irregular updates to their collections. By elevating the Mayabunder library to district status, the administration aims to address these challenges and establish a model for other regions. Authorities believe that a better resourced library will not only cater to the academic needs of school and college students but also provide researchers, civil service aspirants, and the wider public with improved opportunities for learning.
The move also signals a growing recognition of the role of public libraries in the digital age. While digital platforms provide quick access to information, libraries remain vital community spaces for in-depth learning, peer discussions, and access to resources that may not be easily available online. The inclusion of digital resources within the upgraded facility is expected to bridge this gap, making it a hybrid knowledge centre blending traditional and modern methods of learning.
Community members and local educators have welcomed the development, pointing out that such initiatives can inspire a reading culture among young people, which is often at risk due to the dominance of digital entertainment. The expansion of resources and outreach activities could also provide an important supplement to schools and colleges in the region, many of which face challenges in terms of updated study material and research tools.
For Mayabunder, the upgradation of the Zonal Library into a District Library is not merely an administrative step but a cultural investment in the intellectual capital of the community. With its enhanced collection, improved facilities, and outreach programmes, the library is set to become a cornerstone for academic and cultural growth in North and Middle Andaman.
