National Book Trust's Ambitious Plans to Ignite a Nationwide Reading Revolution

The National Book Trust (NBT) is expanding book festivals and enhancing library infrastructures across smaller cities in India to cement a year-round reading culture. This initiative aims to broaden access to literature in tier-3 cities while sustaining the momentum of popular book events like the Pune Book Festival.

The National Book Trust is taking strides to fortify India's reading culture by extending book festivals to tier-3 cities while strengthening the library systems nationwide. This move aims to ensure that the practice of reading isn't confined to annual events but sustains long-term engagement.

Marking a pivotal moment, the third edition of the Pune Book Festival showcased broad public engagement with a surge in book purchases and community participation. The nine-day event spotlighted a Children's Corner and an Author's Corner, emphasizing inclusive programming tailored for diverse audiences.

Future plans include a robust expansion with high-profile festivals like the Goa Book Festival and developing library systems nationwide. The NBT's use of digital platforms like the 'Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya' app also underlines its commitment to accessible literature. This reflects an overarching vision to transform book festivals into an enduring reading movement across India.

(With inputs from agencies.)