Reflections on National Library Day: The quiet arena of thought

A library is not an event tied to a specific day; it is an ongoing practice, a living habit. Times change, technology changes, people's ways of reading change—but the need to think deeply never ends. The library is the destination for that depth. In today's time, when information is at our fingertips yet our minds are scattered, the library teaches us to pause, to focus, and to question. Therefore, speaking about libraries is not just speaking about books—it is speaking about human thought, intellect, and the future.

'National Library Day' is on February 5. What is the significance of the day? There is an organisation called the 'United Library Movement'. What is its purpose? Why do we need libraries in every village?

What is my reflection on this day?

Today, a library is no longer just a place to store books; it is not merely a room full of books. It is also a safe haven for calm, thoughtful reflection.
Libraries teach us the value of silence and help cultivate the habit of patient reading. A library does not encourage fast scrolling—it encourages slow thinking, which is especially relevant in this age of reels, shorts, and headlines.
More clearly, in the digital era, libraries should not be seen as being in conflict with technology, but in coexistence with it. In other words, digital media is not the enemy of libraries; rather, libraries teach us how to use digital knowledge responsibly.
Google provides information; libraries provide context. Online reading creates images in the eyes, but reading in a library reaches the mind and settles in memory.
On Library Day, these are reflections worth revisiting and thinking deeply about.

At a time like this, one cannot help but ask: Are we creating a generation that knows information, but does not know how to think deeply?
To nurture and sustain the human mind, libraries must be protected. Efforts to preserve libraries are therefore not just about safeguarding books—they are equally about nurturing and sustaining the human mind.
Those who run libraries in villages understand this well: while keeping books is one challenge, keeping readers engaged is an even greater one.
A library is not just a cupboard and a lock; it is not merely chairs and tables neatly arranged. It is a space that contends with leisure time—an intimate companion of free time. It is a quiet arena of competition with mobile phones, YouTube, and television.
In a library, no one applauds, yet thought is born.

What should the relationship between writers and libraries be like?
We, as writers, often talk about readers, but rarely think about libraries. Yet, it is the library that serves as the most trustworthy bridge between the writer and the reader.
In many libraries, a writer’s books never reach the shelves. There is almost no direct communication between writers and libraries. In this reality, both sides must take responsibility and act responsibly.
The idea of establishing libraries in every village is not just a romantic notion—it is a part of an urgent and practical need. We often view village libraries with affection, yet sometimes with neglect. In reality, running them is a form of struggle.

What are the real challenges?

Financial constraints.

Books becoming old, damaged, or eaten by insects.

A shortage of new book collections, or declining interest in books among young people.

Opportunities to select truly reader-friendly books are also limited.

The word “popular,” as commonly used in the book world, does not represent the entire population. Among the vast majority, the number of actual readers is very small. Yet, some writers use the term as if it does. They often overlook—or deliberately forget—that most people do not read books. Only a tiny fraction of the population are real readers. If we evaluate books based on true readership, finding good books is not difficult.
By using terms like “popular” and “unpopular,” we end up shrinking the literary world. In the field of literature, these words create gaps in the vast ocean of readers—sometimes knowingly, sometimes unknowingly—leaving promising works unnoticed.
To avoid conflicts of interest, the selection and verification of good books must come from genuine readers. Institutional selection committees or author-led book choices may unintentionally leave quality books in the shadows. Preserving quotas rigidly could create serious problems in the future.
When someone reads a book, the motivational force within may incline them toward favouritism or personal bias toward the author (which can occur naturally), but this does not necessarily touch the broader community of engaged readers. Mistakes can happen in any process. Yet, the successful elements should be emphasised, and in the next phase, mistakes must be corrected so that work can continue with a renewed process. Giving up is not an option.
We must remember that focusing on the “entire population” often blinds us with ignorance, while evaluating the comparatively small group of actual readers gives a more accurate picture.
Yet, having a library in a village means being engaged in a relentless struggle—continuing the fight to cultivate a reading culture among the broader generation without giving up.

It can be said that a village with a library has not surrendered; it has not been swept away by the overwhelming tide of online content.
They are travellers on the path of light.

How can village libraries be kept active?

It is important to observe a “Silent Reading Day” once a month.

Forming small reading circles can create opportunities for dialogue among local writers, strengthen communication, enhance the exchange of ideas, build relationships, and inspire interest in literary practice.

Therefore, it can be said strongly that to keep a library alive, the participation of engaged people is more urgent than the budget.
Those who are running libraries in villages and neighbourhoods, overcoming countless obstacles, are not just taking care of books; you are also nurturing the thoughtful citizens of the future. On this important National Library Day, we want to acknowledge our debt of gratitude to you for this invaluable contribution.

Let us each fulfil our special responsibilities from our own positions.

What have I done? What am I doing?
Since 1997–98, I have been trying in various ways on BTV to advocate for the creation of libraries in neighbourhoods and communities. At one point, I began suggesting building libraries apartment by apartment. Later, I encouraged creating libraries home by home. I spoke passionately on this topic in various television talk shows, drawing on my professional experience.
Now, I say: enrich your child’s room with an age-appropriate library.
The slogan for this year’s National Library Day—“Build Libraries in Every Village”—I believe, represents the vision for the entire country. It is a commendable initiative, and I hope it succeeds.
It is important to take new and meaningful initiatives within the framework of administrative rules and regulations. This issue must be given importance in building a thoughtful and enlightened nation.