Nagaland’s rural library network reaches 448, boosting literacy, digital access and community learning across remote districts, says Neiphiu Rio
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KOHIMA — Nagaland has 448 registered rural libraries operated by NGOs, student bodies and community organisations, extending educational resources to remote areas, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Monday.
In a post on X, Rio said the Department of Art and Culture administers an extensive library network comprising one state library, one museum library, 11 district libraries and 448 enlisted rural libraries across the state.
He stated that rural libraries serve as knowledge hubs that promote literacy, learning and community development by providing access to books, information and shared spaces for community engagement. He added that access to books, learning spaces and digital infrastructure plays an important role in broadening educational access.
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According to data from district headquarters, Phek has the highest number of registered rural libraries at 76, followed by Wokha with 59 and Kohima with 53. Dimapur, Mon and Peren have 40 each, Tuensang has 35, Zunheboto 29, Longleng 18, Kiphire 15 and Mokokchung 6.
Rio said the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata, supports rural libraries with books and infrastructure. He added that children and adolescents libraries and digital infrastructure have been established under the Special Assistance to State for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme of the Ministry of Finance.
Under the initiative, 120 libraries with digital infrastructure have been set up across the state to enhance digital access, promote digital literacy and create inclusive, child-friendly learning spaces.