Libraries are more than just shelves of books; they are gateways to knowledge, culture and community. Yet, in our country, public libraries remain among the most neglected institutions. Many towns and cities either lack proper libraries or have buildings filled with outdated books, broken furniture and no digital facilities. This quiet neglect has created an invisible crisis that deserves urgent attention.
A society that ignores libraries limits its people’s access to affordable learning. Students who cannot afford private academies or internet subscriptions are left behind. Communities lose spaces where ideas can be exchanged freely and where young minds can grow in a safe environment. By ignoring libraries, we indirectly widen inequality, weaken education and limit opportunities for social progress.
Modern libraries around the world are no longer silent halls of dust; they are hubs of creativity. They offer digital resources, research support, cultural activities and even skill development workshops. If we upgrade our libraries with technology, skilled staff and proper funding, they can transform into centres of lifelong learning for all citizens, regardless of age or income.
This change does not require billions. It requires commitment from policymakers, universities and local governments to recognise libraries as public assets. A well-functioning library in every city could reduce the burden on schools, encourage reading habits and provide free access to information. If we continue to treat libraries as relics of the past, we risk producing generations with shallow knowledge and limited imagination. But if we revive them, we can create an informed, thoughtful and creative society. It is time to see libraries not as forgotten buildings, but as powerful tools for national development.
Aamir Ali
Sukkur
