Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Launches Community Library Initiative

about 5 hours ago

Published: May 9, 2026

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Launches Community Library Initiative

The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has launched a program to establish personalized libraries in homes and community spaces across the state to revive reading culture. The initiative, active since February 7, has set up nine libraries and plans further expansion.

The Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy has launched a program to set up personalized libraries in homes, offices, and community spaces across Karnataka, aiming to revive reading habits amid declining library use in the digital age. The initiative, which began on February 7, 2026, charges ₹10,000 per installation to cover the cost of a bookshelf and a curated collection of books based on recipient preferences.

Each library includes books in Kannada, English, Kodava, and other requested languages, combining publications from the academy with additional titles sourced through purchases and donations. Academy president Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah said the goal is to integrate books into daily life, especially among youth increasingly drawn to mobile devices and social media.

So far, nine libraries have been established, including at the residence of Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Kodava Samajas in Kodagu and Mysuru, and private homes in villages like Arekadu and Balamberi. Recipients reported increased community engagement and renewed interest in reading, with one family using the program to restore a lost ancestral book collection.

The academy said demand is growing, with increasing inquiries from individuals and organizations across Karnataka. It plans to expand the initiative to more locations in the state in the coming months.