Reading Sparks Ideas
Basdila Community Library believes that every person deserves free and open access to books, knowledge, and imagination. We are dedicated to nurturing a movement that supports publicly owned, free libraries that truly belong to the community and remain accessible to all. Access cannot be built without reference to the history of excluding people from reading. It is important to critique the normalization of the lack of libraries in India as a first step toward the argument for creation of a public library system.
What We Do
Find out more about our reading and learning programs. Learn about our ideas for developing excellent community libraries in diverse areas.
We Are A Part Of
Free Libraries Network (FLN) - a collective of free, community, school, college, hospital, and prison run libraries. The network aims to share resources, best practices, know-how, coordinate and act in solidarity on matters of policy and issues related to access to knowledge resources.
Donate To Us
Support and help us build a sustainable library program that expands access to books and promotes thinking through reading.
What We Do
Bringing Books Closer to People
Basdila Community Library is a living lab for learning — a space where we explore and refine ideas for building strong, inclusive community libraries. We believe that when access to books expands, thinking and opportunity expand too.
We know that millions in India still live without the right to read freely. We alone cannot solve this nationwide challenge. But we can prove that community libraries work — and work beautifully. So when our leaders commit to building a robust public library system, no one can say, “It’s not possible here.”
It is possible. We’re already doing it.
Our work focuses on helping readers engage deeply with books — to think, question, imagine, and understand the world in richer ways. Functional literacy is not enough. True literacy empowers people to participate, contribute, and grow.
We continue to learn what community libraries need: what succeeds, what fails, and what deserves to evolve. Our ideas are tested in real communities, shaped with care, and shared openly.
Our Central Programs
The Reading Project
Activities that build joyful, thoughtful reading habits
Workshops & Community Gatherings
Shared spaces for learning, discussion, and connection
Open for All. Open to Share.
Every resource we create is open source — free to use, adapt, and spread.
And we welcome ideas from anyone who believes in the Right to Read.
Free Libraries Network — Why We Exist
Every decision in a library — how books are shelved, how funding is raised, even the colour of the walls — is connected to a larger belief: access to books is a fundamental right and every community deserves a free and welcoming library.
To strengthen this work, the Free Libraries Network provides a collective space for librarians, educators, and community workers across India. Here, we share ideas, challenge assumptions, discuss social and political contexts, and support one another in building strong, people-centered libraries.
Who We Are Part Of
We are currently an online community of 200+ library practitioners and supporters who work in diverse environments across the country. Together, we are shaping a shared vision — one that sees community libraries as the heart of learning and local empowerment.
As we grow, we aim to deepen collaboration, share resources, and imagine new futures for community-owned libraries.
Support our effort to build and sustain free community libraries — places where everyone can access books, learn with curiosity, and grow through reading. Your contribution helps us keep our programs active, our shelves full, and our doors open to all.
We are currently able to accept donations from Indian nationals only.
