Reading is a right, not a privilege.
India is facing a reading crisis. Millions of people do not have access to free, accessible, and inclusive spaces to read, learn, and think. We are building a collective demand for a public library system that serves everyone. When we demand the Right to Read, we demand the right to think, the right to question, and the right to live with dignity.
A postcard signed by a RTR Supporter.Who are we?
The Right to Read is led by the Free Libraries Network (FLN), a collective of grassroots libraries, library practitioners, educators, researchers, and organisations working to build and strengthen free libraries across India. Through the Right to Read campaign, FLN works with hundreds of individuals and organisations to collectively advocate for a stronger, more equitable public library system.
Why is the Right to Read urgent?
What do we demand?
We demand a public library system that guarantees every person's Right to Read, as envisioned in the draft People's National Library Policy (PNLP 2024).
Free & Accessible:
with no membership fees, fines, or security deposits so that there is no class based exclusion
Inclusive & Anti-Caste:
ensuring that all individuals have equal access to library services regardless of their background or circumstances
Publicly Funded:
Libraries should receive adequate public investment to ensure sufficient infrastructure, books, trained librarians, and community programmes.
Autonomous & Locally Governed:
Libraries should remain accountable to their communities, operate independently, and be locally governed while remaining a public responsibility.
Choose your language:
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ Something that I have always believed in is the power of reading. This project has given children the chance to discover new stories and ideas, and we are grateful for the impact it has had on our community. ”
-Jatin, FLN Activist
“ providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ Something that I have always believed in is the power of reading. This project has given children the chance to discover new stories and ideas, and we are grateful for the impact it has had on our community. ”
-Jatin, FLN Activist
“ providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
“ We believe that every child has the right to read and access books. This project has been a game-changer for our community, providing children with the opportunity to explore new worlds through literature. ”
-Shivam, FLN Activist
Timeline of the Right to Read Movement
📚 Lit Fest Showcases
The Right to Read movement was featured in various literary festivals, highlighting the importance of free libraries and access to knowledge for all.
- Kerala Literature Festival: Introduced the Right to Read vision to global and national literary audiences.
- Jaipur Literature Festival (Publishers Conclave): Ritu presented the Right to Read framework to industry leaders, publishers, and creators.
🏛️ Indian Library Congress
Convened a Landmark Panel on the future of inclusive libraries.
- Featured Speakers: Amit, Shahnaz, Osheen, Jatin, Ritu, and Mridula.
✊ Shaheed Mela (Delhi University)
The Right to Read movement was showcased at the Shaheed Mela, engaging students and youth in discussions about the importance of access to knowledge and free libraries.
- Grassroots Action: Partnered with the SFI to bring the Right to Read campaign directly to students and youth, anchoring the movement in public spaces.
⚖️Parliamentary Lobbying
The Right to Read movement engaged with lawmakers to advocate for policies supporting free libraries and access to knowledge.
- A massive push to embed free libraries into the national democratic dialogue. 33 FLN library members successfully met with 16 Members of Parliament (MPs) across political spectrums.
📝 Deposition Before the Standing Committee
The Right to Read Campaign made a significant stride by officially deposing before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, advocating for the integration of free libraries into educational policies and frameworks.
- The Milestone: Members of the Right to Read Campaign officially deposed before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education.
- The Impact: Strategic testimony preparation and deep post-deposition engagement with MP Dr. T. Sumathy solidified critical legislative alliances.
🌍IFLA/FLN Webinar
The Right to Read movement collaborated with the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) for a webinar focused on caste discrimination and an introduction for librarians. This event aimed to push international library spaces to confront systemic inequalities and promote inclusivity in library services.
- Focus: Caste Discrimination, and An Introduction for Librarians.
- Organized by: The Research and Action Committee of FLN, pushing international library spaces to confront systemic inequalities.
📜 Samvidhan Mahotsav
- The Connection: Celebrated the Constitution by explicitly linking the Right to Read with core Indian constitutional values and democratic rights.
🎪 Justice Makers Mela
- Community Outreach: Distributed Right to Read toolkits and literature directly to the community via FLN’s dedicated Book Nook.
