Gujarat Pustakalay Sahayak Sahakari Mandal preserves reading culture

The Gujarat Pustakalay Sahayak Sahakari Mandal, a century-old library cooperative in Vadodara, continues to promote reading and community learning through a unique cooperative model. Established in 1924, it is recognized as Asia’s only cooperative society of public libraries, connecting more than 1,400 member libraries through three branches across Gujarat.

The movement was inspired by the Library Department established by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1910. Library pioneer Motibhai Amin later developed the cooperative model to allow libraries to share resources and expand access to knowledge. To date, the organization has published over 725 books and offers books at concessional rates to support lifelong learning.

Local educators and residents note that these libraries provide a vital alternative to digital screen time, helping children develop vocabulary and critical thinking skills.