Mobile Library Launched at North Bay to Promote Reading Among Students, Locals, Tourists

The Directorate of Education, A&N Administration, inaugurated a Mobile Library Service at North Bay under the Deputy Education Office, Wimberlygunj, in a move aimed at promoting reading habits and expanding access to knowledge resources. The initiative seeks to provide students, local residents, and tourists visiting the island with an innovative approach to accessing books beyond conventional library spaces.

The launch ceremony was led by Archana Singh, Deputy Director of Education (Planning) and Nodal Officer, State Library, and was attended by officials from the Directorate of Education, Deputy Education Officer Dr. Manoharan, Zilla Parishad Member Maryam Bibi of Bambooflat, and Pradhan Rasheeda of GP Hope Town. The inaugural programme saw active participation from education department staff and members of the local public, highlighting community engagement in the initiative.

Speaking at the event, Singh emphasized that the Mobile Library Service is designed to bring books directly to tourist destinations and remote areas, making literature accessible to a wider audience. The programme aligns with the Administration’s efforts to foster a culture of reading among students and the public while enhancing the visibility and usage of library services across the islands.

The North Bay Mobile Library forms part of a broader plan by the Directorate of Education to strengthen library infrastructure and outreach in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Officials confirmed that, following the success of the North Bay initiative, two additional Mobile Libraries are planned for Swaraj Dweep and Car Nicobar, further expanding the reach of the service to remote and underserved areas.

By providing mobile access to a curated collection of books, the initiative also aims to attract tourists, encouraging engagement with local educational resources while supporting the Administration’s objective of inclusive knowledge dissemination. The service is expected to complement existing library facilities and create new opportunities for reading, research, and learning in communities that are often distant from permanent library buildings.

The Mobile Library Service marks a significant step in broadening the reach of educational resources, promoting literacy, and fostering an enduring reading culture across the islands. By bringing books to residents and visitors alike, the initiative exemplifies the Administration’s commitment to innovative, people-focused education interventions.