Are the days of study desks and grand libraries filled with literary masterpieces fading? Are Punjab’s public libraries and educational institutions’ collections sufficient for avid readers?

Once, the poetry of Mir and Ghalib, the short stories of Manto, the legendary Shahab Nama, the iconic Raja Gidh, and the travelogues of Mustansar Hussain Tarar defined an era when public libraries were hubs for book lovers. However, times appear to be changing.

With evolving lifestyles, interests and hobbies have also shifted. Electronic gadgets have replaced physical books in many hands, leaving library shelves filled but with fewer visitors.

According to statistics, Punjab has only 11 public libraries, attracting over 50,000 visitors daily. Most people visit for exam preparation and research, while many districts lack public libraries altogether.

The Director General of Libraries Punjab states that books are evolving in format. Punjab now boasts 100 e-libraries, and the government is focusing on modernizing library facilities. In addition to public libraries, educational institutions, various departments, and clubs have their private collections.

However, Dr. Haroon Usmani, Chief Librarian at Punjab University, highlights that educational institutions’ libraries are primarily for students, restricting public access. He emphasizes the need for more public libraries.

Experts believe that if the government formulates a comprehensive policy to promote reading, people might once again rediscover the fragrance of printed books.

Punjab shifts focus to e-libraries for Improved access to knowledge

Lahore: Punjab’s Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has acknowledged the limited number of public libraries in the province but emphasized that the government is now focusing on the establishment of e-libraries.

He highlighted initiatives to make international journals and books accessible to students to promote a culture of reading.

The education minister stated that the world is moving towards e-libraries, and Punjab is following suit. The government plans to purchase international books and journals and make them publicly available for students. This initiative will help researchers and students access quality educational resources without the high costs previously associated with acquiring international publications.

He further revealed that private educational institutions will also be able to benefit from these e-libraries. The project is set to launch next month, with digital gadgets being provided to schools across eight districts to facilitate access to online resources. The pilot project will begin in Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Bahawalpur.

In addition to digital initiatives, the government is also working on setting up book banks in every school to encourage reading habits among students.

With these measures, the Punjab government aims to modernize access to knowledge and research, ensuring that students from schools, colleges, and universities can make the most of digital learning resources.