Five Central Libraries Operating in the State to Facilitate Students’ Learning and Competitive Exam Preparations

To provide accessible study facilities, particularly for students, the School Education Department is running five central libraries across the state. Additionally, the Swami Vivekananda Library (formerly the British Library) at the GTB Complex in Bhopal is being operated with financial support from the department. These libraries are equipped to help students prepare for competitive exams.

The Maulana Azad Government Central Library in Bhopal, also known as the Central Library, is a treasure trove of literary works. It offers maximum facilities at minimal fees, with over one lakh books available in languages such as Hindi, English, Sanskrit, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian. Along with books, the library provides access to various monthly magazines, newspapers, internet services, and free seminars. On average, 600 students visit the library’s three study halls daily. This year, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has undertaken the maintenance and development of the library. Additionally, 32 cabin-model study rooms have been developed under the allocated budget by the Directorate of Public Education. Women’s Self-Help Groups have also been given the task of operating a 'Didi Canteen' at the library.

The Ahilya Central Library in Indore, a 60-year-old heritage building, has already attracted over 17,000 students as part of the 'Books Invite' campaign. Every 15 days, an administrative officer offers guidance to competitive exam aspirants at the library. Library science students also receive training at this facility. At the Government Central Library in Gwalior, over 190 lockers have been purchased under the allocated budget to ensure students can safely store their personal belongings. The library has also introduced 13 new types of memberships, revising the old ones as per the decisions made in the governing committee's meetings. All activities in the library are now available in a digital format. Additionally, a “Competition Corner” has been created with new facilities for those preparing for competitive exams. This library has also seen the successful selection of 20 students in various competitive exams.

The Government Central Library in Jabalpur has been provided with an extra room by the nearby Government Upper Secondary School, where the library's reading room is now operational. Students from rural areas and those preparing for competitive exams are benefiting from this facility. Various programs are regularly held to increase the library’s reach. In the Government Central Library in Rewa, a new reading room has been developed due to a continuous increase in the number of students preparing for competitive exams. The library also offers a free Wi-Fi zone for its readers. Additionally, the vacant space at the Rewa library has been approved for redevelopment under the state government’s three-story building reconstruction plan.