Primary school libraries instil reading habit in kids
New Delhi: The Delhi government has set up 4,178 classroom libraries in primary sections of government schools and the annual target is of 6,300. The target of the AAP-led government is to set up these classroom libraries and to reach out to more students. The school monitoring committees including teachers, principals and the members of the SMC will decide on the purchase of the books. By this method the government has achieved to keep books as per the class standard.
A Primary school in-charge of Ishani Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Sangeeta Ahlawat, said, "This concept of class library in primary schools is something new, earlier libraries were for class VI onwards but to introduce reading habit in children at a young age is phenomenal. There was no library hour from nursery to V but now children have relevant books in open library in their classes and they issue books from there on a weekly basis." Procurement of books have become easier too.
"Through book fairs we select books and order, this way we get to see a plethora of books under one roof. Recently I came across audio books and I have placed an order for it, this way children will enjoy learning. According to the level of students and class we order books and stick to our budget — Rs 10,000 for each grade, " added Ahlawat.
A senior official said, "Studies emphasise the importance of reading for pleasure, educational, and personal development. These studies show that promoting reading can have a major impact on young minds and as well as on adults. Reading is essential for children to be proficient in any school subject." Primary school libraries are not the only ones to undergo change but central school libraries have revamped too.
A librarian by profession for 12 years, Dipti Dimri, of Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya in Lajpat Nagar, has witnessed the transition of the main library. From a dilapidated and outdated library to a well-stocked and updated one, today Dimri feels that government libraries are giving private school libraries a run for their money. She said, "Today, there are 12,500 books, which are bought by us after we consult the SMC and also take recommendations made by students. I keep a log book of who is reading what and we notice patterns in book selection by children and accordingly we purchase new books every year. Six years ago this was not the case, there were hardly any books and those
that did exist were outdated. There are magazines, story books, quizzes, story telling and book review competitions in school too."
