Webinar on promoting use of Libraries and Cultivating Reading Habits 29th May 2023

In today's world, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected from our communities. Libraries provide a welcoming and inclusive space where people can come together to learn, explore together. By promoting libraries and fostering a passion for reading, we unlock a world of knowledge, imagination and create thriving library communities.

In order to promote the use of libraries and inculcating reading habits among individuals of all ages, CBSE organised an online webinar for librarians, 'Promoting the Use of Libraries and Cultivating Reading Habits' on 29 May, 2023. Ms Harshita Sharma, Librarian, of The Indian School-Second Shift attended the event.

The session was addressed by Smt Meenakshi Dang, Assistant Secretary (Training), CBSE, HQ, Delhi. Further, Dr Ram Shankar, Director (Training), CBSE, HQ, Delhi, elaborated on the  importance of this webinar. The guest speaker of the programme was Dr Sarada Chandrasekaran, Academic Director & Head of Institution, Whitefield Global School, Bengaluru.

The session provided insights into effective strategies for setting up and managing a school library, creating an engaging reading environment and promoting a passion for reading among students. Referring to a library as "wonderland", Dr Chandrasekaran discussed different techniques to make a library a true 'wonderland' with activities like DEAR, i.e. Drop Everything And Read , in which the whole school is meant to read for 15 minutes, irrespective of the other work being done. She also emphasised upon the need to organise regular events like workshops and author visits, create book clubs and conduct creative writing competitions, storytelling sessions, and educational seminars to foster a sense of community and learning. A special reminder was given to teachers to not switch the library period with any other subject as this would greatly help students  develop a sense of seriousness towards the library and reading.

In order to encourage and inculcate the habit of reading, CBSE has also launched an application called 'Read – Along', which is a free reading app that helps children have fun while they learn to read. This enlightening and informative session concluded with the notion that a library is an ongoing process that requires continuous adaptation and improvement for the holistic development of students and the betterment of the larger community.