Public library as a catalyst for sustainable development: a case study

Abstract

The paper discusses the activities of the Valapattanam Grama Panchayat Library, a public library of Kannur District, Kerala. Through observation, meeting with the librarian and library committee and study of library records, data were collected. We found that the Valapattanam Grama Panchayat Library is playing an important role in the lives of the local population. People of Valapattanam including children, youth, parents, and senior citizens love to spend time in the library for reading, recreation, learning etc. Other public libraries can gainfully emulate the Valapattanam GP library, customising it wherever required to suite their own community situations and cultural backgrounds.