A PeFSSED INITIATIVE

Community Libraries Across India

We build libraries where none exist — turning reading into a right, not a privilege, for every child in rural India.

4
States Active
12+
Libraries Built
5,000+
Readers Served
21
Years of PeFSSED
Why Libraries

A Village Without a Library is a Village Without a Future

In hundreds of villages across India, children grow up without access to a single book outside their school textbook. PeFSSED builds community libraries to change that — permanently.

Since 2004, we have worked with local communities, teachers and volunteers to create spaces where children read, write, draw and dream. Our libraries are not just buildings — they are movements.

Children at library
Library session
Reading programme

4 States, Growing Every Year

Swipe or click the arrows to explore each state. Click the button to visit that state's dedicated page.

Odisha libraries
Since 2006
Odisha

Where PeFSSED began — our oldest and deepest programme, rooted in the PRICE project in Dhenkanal district. 18 years of building reading culture from scratch.

3
Libraries
1,400+
Readers
18 yrs
Active
Visit Odisha Libraries ↗
Telangana libraries
Since 2021
Telangana

Urban and peri-urban libraries in Hyderabad and Warangal — serving first-generation learners who have never had access to a library before.

2
Libraries
900+
Readers
3 yrs
Active
Visit Telangana Libraries ↗
Gujarat libraries
Since 2019
Gujarat

A strong volunteer network supporting our library model — from Anand to Dahod, reaching tribal areas and urban girls alike.

4
Libraries
1,800+
Readers
5 yrs
Active
Visit Gujarat Libraries ↗
Uttar Pradesh libraries
Since 2022
Uttar Pradesh

Our newest and fastest-growing state — libraries across Lucknow, Barabanki and Sitapur, reaching girls and young women.

3
Libraries
1,200+
Readers
2 yrs
Active
Visit UP Libraries ↗

Two Ways We Build Libraries

School library

School Libraries

Built inside government schools in rural areas — giving every child structured daily access to books, guided reading sessions and a trained library facilitator who makes learning come alive.

500+ books Trained facilitator Reading programmes Curriculum linked
Community library

Community Libraries

Open to all — children, youth, women and elders. A knowledge hub and safe gathering space for the entire village, with books in local languages, open evenings and weekends.

Free open access Local languages Women's circles Evening hours

What Happens Every Day

A library is not just a room with books. It is where things happen — every single day.

Guided reading

Guided Reading

Trained facilitators guide children through books and stories every week

Writing workshops

Writing Workshops

Children write poems and stories — the best pieces become part of Mindora magazine

Group sessions

Group Sessions

Community learning sessions bringing together students, teachers and volunteers

Mindora distribution

Mindora Distribution

Every edition of Mindora is distributed free to contributors, schools and community members

Born in Our Libraries

Meet Mindora — Our Children's Magazine

3
Editions
100+
Young Authors
250+
Copies Distributed

Every story, poem and drawing in Mindora was written and illustrated by a child from one of our libraries. This is what happens when you give rural children a space, a pen and a little encouragement.

Read Mindora ↗
Mindora magazine
Library activity Reading session

Help Us Build the Next Library

A community library costs approximately Rs. 1 lakh to build and equip. Your support directly creates a new reading space for an entire village.