Draft:Bansa Community Library

Bansa Community Library Bansa Community Library & Resource Centre is a public library located in Bansa village, Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Established in December 2020 under the Bansa Educational Society, it serves as the first community library in the district, providing free access to books and educational resources for learners from Bansa and 36 surrounding villages. The library aims to foster a reading culture, support competitive exam preparation, and promote inclusive education for all ages and backgrounds. Currently, Aruna Mithlesh Foundation, a section 8 non-for-profit company runs Bansa Community Library. History The library was founded by Jatin Lalit Singh, a law graduate inspired by his volunteering experience with The Community Library Project (TCLP) in Delhi, a citizen-led initiative to create accessible public libraries. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Singh recognized the lack of educational resources in rural areas, particularly for students unable to access coaching centers in cities like Kanpur or Allahabad. With co-founders Abhishek Vyas and Malvika Aggarwal, the library was established to address this gap and promote literacy in Bansa, Singh’s home village. The library was built on land leased for 99 years from a local temple for a nominal fee of ₹1. Funding was raised through crowdfunding, and support from Singh’s family. Despite challenges during the second wave of COVID-19, which temporarily closed the library, it has grown into a vital community hub.

Mission and Services The library was created with the belief that access to knowledge is a right, not a privilege. Its mission is to: Promote reading, dialogue, and critical thinking

Provide equitable access to books and educational resources

Offer a safe and inclusive space for all genders and age groups

Strengthen rural learning through community-led initiatives

The mission of Bansa Community Library is to provide quality books and holistic educational resources to rural learners, fostering curiosity and empowerment. It operates as an education resource centre, offering: A collection of over 5,000 books, including Hindi, Urdu, and English literature, fiction, non-fiction, and materials for competitive exams (e.g., government job tests and Central Teacher Eligibility Test). Free access to all, regardless of age, gender, caste, or class. E-learning sessions conducted by volunteers across India, covering various subjects. Community programs such as Kanoon ki Pathshala (School of Law), a monthly legal literacy initiative educating villagers about their rights. Activities like read-aloud sessions, quiz competitions, and screenings of educational content, such as episodes from Sudha Murty: Stories of Wits and Magic. A dedicated space for women authors’ works, promoting inclusivity and diversity. The library is open seven days a week, with extended hours on Sundays from 9 am to 7 pm, and is managed by a small local team, including three librarians, a supervisor, a director, and a housekeeper, supported by remote volunteers and patrons. Impact Since its opening, the library has registered over 2100 members and attracts 80–90 daily visitors, with approximately 65% being women and girls. It has become a space for not only reading but also community engagement, hosting discussions on topics like village governance and public health. In February 2025, the library reported issuing 341 books and welcoming 490 visitors, including 19 new child members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the library served as a repository for medical supplies like oximeters and medicines, collaborating with ASHA and Anganwadi workers to support public health efforts in Bansa and nearby villages. Its efforts have been recognized nationally, notably by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 95th episode of Mann ki Baat in November 2022, praising Singh for “spreading the light of knowledge.” Community Engagement The library emphasizes inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment for all. It hosts regular events like Games Day and summer camps to encourage participation, particularly among children. Volunteers from across India contribute to its programs, and donations of books, including through Amazon Wishlists, sustain its collection. The library also promotes mentorship, with community members taking on roles to guide younger learners. A notable initiative is the distribution of T-shirts to regular members and summer camp attendees to motivate participation. The library’s efforts to create a reading culture have inspired stories like that of Juli, a 13-year-old who discovered the Indian Constitution through the library’s wall inscriptions, and Mahendra Singh, a 76-year-old farmer who reads five books a week. Recognition National Recognition Bansa Community Library has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to rural education. Notably: Praised by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India for its work during COVID-19 and beyond

Featured by institutions like the University of Cambridge Library Group

Covered by numerous national media outlets including:

India Today (Virtual Tour)

Indian Express

Gaon Connection

YourStory

Mid-Day

The Better India

See Positive

Careers360

The Swaddle

Lawctopus

Its high community approval is reflected in a 4.8/5 rating on Justdial, based on 198 reviews, with users praising its vast book collection and inclusive environment. Funding and Support The library operates on a budget of approximately ₹45,500 per month, covering staff honorariums, electricity, newspapers, magazines, stationery, and event costs. It relies on donations, which are tax-exempt under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. Contributions come from community members, patrons. Future Goals The library aims to expand its reach by establishing more rural libraries as part of the Rural Library Movement, following the model of TCLP. It seeks to turn Bansa into a model village with improved public health and hygiene, while continuing to support competitive exam aspirants and young readers. Plans include enhancing digital infrastructure and increasing volunteer engagement to sustain its programs. References “BANSA COMMUNITY LIBRARY & RESOURCE CENTRE – Everyone is Welcome.” Bansa Community Library, www.bansacommunitylibrary.org. “Bansa Community Library & Resource Centre.” LinkedIn, in.linkedin.com/company/bansa-community-library-resource-centre. “The Bansa Community Library, where books and conversations inform the people.” Gaon Connection, 25 Aug. 2023, www.gaonconnection.com. “While other libraries closed down, this community library in rural UP was begun during the pandemic.” Scroll.in, 3 Aug. 2021, scroll.in. “How this law graduate built Hardoi’s first community library.” YourStory, 20 Oct. 2021, yourstory.com. “Hardoi man wins PM’s praise for starting community library in village.” Hindustan Times, 28 Nov. 2022, www.hindustantimes.com. “How Bansa Community Library Started by Law Students Is Helping Deal With COVID.” Lawctopus, 1 Jul. 2021, www.lawctopus.com. External Links Official Website Facebook Page LinkedIn Profile