Role of Public Library in Educational & cultural development of a nation

Role of Public Library in cultural development of a nation:

Culture is a peculiar term to define. It is easily understood but difficult to perceive. Culture is the essence of knowledge and education. This is got from information. Public Library is a source of such information for the cultural changes of a Nation. The cultural growth can be initiated by the Public Library as follows;

1. The cultural programmes, fairs, functions, celebrations, in the library increases the scope of cultural assimilation by the public competition; debate, discussion, training, seminar, etc., nowadays, helping the young kids visiting the library for the cultural awareness. The documentary film show and video programmes, dance, drama, theatre, talks, discourses are such programmes. Special programmes for handicapped, minorities, special groups, women, prisoners, patient, lawyers, doctors, youth, etc., are held for their cultural development.
2. Cultural harmony increases bringing different cultural groups to meet peacefully in the Public Library. A Public Library is never opened to sectarian beliefs or feelings. It is always, broad, open and free from caste and creed and color. The donation, subscription, membership received from the public increases the relationship culturally with the Library. Co-operation acquisition, loan provide doors for such activities.
3. Culture is inherited through the bibliography of the past writings, records of mankind. National-international or regional harmony is achieved through the exchange, gifts, translations, copy supply, etc. The grids have acted in this direction quite vigorously.
4. Culture is preserved in its collections ranging from 000 generalia, 100 philosophy 200 religion 300 social sciences… etc., to 900 Geography, History.

Role of Public Library in Educational Development of a Nation:

It is not exactly known what makes the people read. One reads for information and practical benefit. Other reads for escape. A faithful group reads for pleasure. One problem has always been that while it is comparatively easy to teach a child or an adult to recognize letters and words, the skill can be quickly lost. Thus, in order to prevent relapse into illiteracy, the Public Library provides scope for adequate reading matter.

A Nation is made with people. These persons need education for development as a total being. This education begins in formal days in schools. This process continues for some time or till an older age. Then linkage with education is broken as the person enters professional earnings.

But still, the person needs the education to meet his day-to-day requirements. These may be informational, recreational and educational needs. Therefore, he tends to enter into the education process again for humanistic development, for peace of mind, for perfection etc. The Public Library, therefore, provides such scope.

In order to mobilize the role, the government has been planning to formulate National Polices. In India, as per the call of International Book Year in 1972, have formulated a national education policy in 1986. Accordingly, Public Libraries have been entrusted with the jobs of adult education and continuing education through Shikshya Nilayam, Night Schools, Community Centres, Zanana Schools, Orphanage/Jail Schools, etc. Grant-in-aid from R.R.R.L.F./Govt. of India State Govt., etc., have been profusely spent for the purpose. On the other hand, voluntary agencies have set up Jubak Sanghs/ Clubs/ Societies/ Libraries to work with books, TV/AV/Exhibition/ 20 point programmes, etc.

New readers, regardless of their age can be discouraged if the use of books is not a part of their cultural environment. In the most advanced countries, there still are important sectors of the population who abandon reading once they leave school. In part, this is due to the completion for their attention offered by the cinema and television, although other members of the same society may be stimulated to increased reading by the audio-visual media.

Finally, it is increasingly recognized that the way reading is learned in a school situation and at home, has a lasting effect on future use of books and periodicals and Public Library books upon this.