Funding Indian public libraries P. Jayarajan

What we know ? 1.25 billion people (125 crore) 72 % living in rural areas/villages In about 640,000 villages Also know that a large percentage of our educated public don’t have access to any type of libraries, other than public libraries, but they don’t go there!! We have an outdated public library system

What we don’t know? How much India spends currently on public libraries? – Guess estimate is Rs. 4,000 crore! How many public libraries we have? – Again guess estimate is 100,000 plus

What is desirable ? One good library for a cluster of 10 villages Thus a total of 60,000 plus rural libraries And many libraries in town and cities

. Need Rs 30,000 crore or even more !! From where this level of funding can come from ? Can’t expect government alone to fund

India Public Library Fund? A new model for public library funding Centrally managed India Public Library Fund (IPLF)?

IPLF Contributions to IPLF coming from – Central government – State governments – Public sector undertakings – Ministries – Corporate houses – CSR funding – International agencies – Indian agencies – Individuals

Media campaign Complement with a high profile media campaign – Brand ambassador – Celebrities and commoners speaking about reading and public libraries – Partnership with media channels – Seek contributions to IPLF from anyone and everyone

IPLA Form a new India Public Library Association : IPLA IPLA to play a key role

Summary IPLF Public library campaign IPLA

. Thank you