Maharashtra Invites Proposals For State Library Awards

The Maharashtra government's Directorate of Libraries has invited proposals for the 2025-26 State Library Awards. The awards aim to encourage the qualitative development of government-recognised public libraries and promote reading culture across the state.

The Directorate of Libraries, under the Higher and Technical Education Department, will confer two awards: the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Best Library Award and the Dr S. R. Ranganathan Best Library Worker and Servant Award.

Eligible libraries and library workers have been asked to submit their proposals by September 25, 2026. The awards are open to outstanding government-recognised public libraries from both urban and rural areas, classified under A, B, C and D categories.

Selected libraries will receive cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 25,000, respectively, along with a memento, certificate and a collection of books.

To apply, libraries, activists and employees must prepare their proposals in the prescribed format and submit three copies to the concerned District Library Officer by September 25.

The awards are intended to recognise institutions and individuals contributing to the development of public libraries and the wider library movement in Maharashtra. Acting Director of Libraries Ashok Gadekar has appealed to eligible libraries and library workers to submit their proposals within the stipulated deadline.

The Maharashtra government's initiative to promote public libraries and reading culture is a significant step towards fostering a love for reading and learning among the state's population. By recognising and rewarding outstanding libraries and library workers, the government aims to encourage the development of high-quality public libraries that provide access to knowledge and information to people across the state.

The State Library Awards are an opportunity for libraries and library workers to showcase their contributions to the library movement in Maharashtra. The awards will not only recognize their achievements but also provide them with the necessary resources and support to continue their work.

In conclusion, the Maharashtra government's invitation for proposals for the 2025-26 State Library Awards is a significant development in the state's efforts to promote public libraries and reading culture. The awards will play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding outstanding libraries and library workers, and will contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive library ecosystem in Maharashtra.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the state's education sector, as it will provide opportunities for people to access knowledge and information, and will foster a love for reading and learning among the population.

The Maharashtra government's commitment to promoting public libraries and reading culture is a step in the right direction, and the State Library Awards are an important part of this effort.

The awards will be conferred on selected libraries and library workers who have made significant contributions to the development of public libraries and the wider library movement in Maharashtra.

The Directorate of Libraries has urged eligible applicants to make use of the opportunity and submit their proposals within the stipulated deadline.

The State Library Awards are a significant recognition of the importance of public libraries in promoting reading culture and providing access to knowledge and information.

The awards will contribute to the development of a vibrant and inclusive library ecosystem in Maharashtra, and will play a crucial role in recognizing and rewarding outstanding libraries and library workers.