Odisha Society of the Americas to Host 2024 Odisha Public Library Conference

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Society of the Americas (OSA), a prominent organization of Non-Resident Odias (NROs) in the United States, is gearing up to host the ‘2024 Odisha Public Library Conference’ in Bhubaneswar. The conference, organized under the OSA Odisha Public Library Initiative (OPLI), aims to foster awareness and discussions on the role of modern public libraries in Odisha.

Public libraries have long served as essential hubs of knowledge, catering to diverse communities spanning various age groups and backgrounds. In today’s digital age, the necessity for libraries to adapt and innovate is more significant than ever. The OPLI seeks to highlight the importance of establishing modern public libraries in every Gram Panchayat across the state.

During a press conference held on Friday, Nishikanta Sahoo, Chair of OPLI, and Ajay Mohanty, Co-Chair, provided details about the upcoming conference. The event will witness the participation of policymakers, heads of public libraries, media personalities, authors, educators, social workers, scholars, and students. The conference will serve as a platform for engaging discussions on how modern libraries can empower communities and align with the state government’s vision for development.

The evolution of libraries globally has been remarkable, incorporating digital technology, computer access, and internet connectivity to become more inclusive and accessible. These modern libraries are not just centers for academic learning but also for entertainment, skill development, and fostering digital and financial literacy among the youth. Rural libraries, in particular, have emerged as essential community resource centers, bridging the gap between technology and underserved populations.

Modern libraries also play a pivotal role in facilitating connections between citizens and government initiatives, accelerating developmental progress. OSA’s vision through the establishment of a ‘Well Integrated Modern Public Library System’ is to promote a reading culture, foster a knowledge-based society, support the internet economy, and empower citizens for a prosperous Odisha.

Public libraries contribute significantly to societal advancement, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the United Nations, particularly in poverty alleviation. Research has shown that every dollar invested in public libraries generates a return of four to nine dollars in value.

Several states in India have successfully implemented modern public libraries at the Gram Panchayat level, showcasing sustainable models that Odisha can adopt for efficient public library management.

“OSA invites individuals from various sectors of the community to actively participate in this conference,” said the OSA officials at the press meet. OSA Odisha Library Network (OSA OLN) members Pranab Pani and Sunil Kumar Mishra were also present at the press conference.