Democracy Begins in a Library, Not a Ballot Box: Perspectives from India and Latin America

Introduction

When we explore the idea of democracy, the first things that usually pop up are elections, public debates, and speeches. But where does democracy truly begin? Democracy is nurtured in the classrooms and often in the silent corners of libraries. Access to books is not a luxury; it is the core of informed citizenship.

My Experience

I have personally learned this lesson not in theory, but in practice. Over the years, during my visits at a women’s college in rural Uttar Pradesh, I realized they did not have a library since the inception of the college. Many bright young women, who were often the first in their families to have the opportunity to attend college, studied solely with classroom notes. For them, the absence of a library didn’t just pose a barrier to their academic journey -it was a hurdle to many opportunities. After witnessing this, I was inspired to start a fundraising campaign to raise funds in order to establish a library for this institution. 

The case in India

This tiny step made me contemplate how strongly access to books -or the lack of it -molds a society. India is a country with extensive ambition, with one of the world’s youngest populations (United Nations World Population Prospects). However, according to the National Sample Survey (2017-18), about 6% of rural households have access to a library (National Sample Survey (75th round, 2017–18) – Household Social Consumption on Education). The National Digital Library of India is a stepping stone, but it has limited access due to internet penetration. The idea of exploring shelves filled with books is still a distant dream for youth in villages and small towns.

The Latin American Perspective

The idea of democracy emphasizes literacy. A library is a safe haven where imagination and inquiry intertwine. It is a dedicated space for future leaders, thinkers, and policymakers to learn the art of critical thinking, reasoning, and decision making -factors shaping democracy. How can each citizen actively participate in democratic debates and discussions without access to all sorts of ideas and perspectives?

India is not the first democracy to have faced this. In Latin America -a region that shares India’s diversity, inequality, and ambitions -community libraries are very prevalent and used as a medium of upliftment of society (United Nations Economic commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, 2024 Report ). In Brazil, municipal libraries often convert into civic hubs, offering workshops on women’s rights and voter information along with reading materials (World Bank, 2018). Similarly, in Colombia, the government’s Biblioburro project, where books were carried to rural villages on the backs of donkeys, became a symbol of democratic inclusion (BBC, 2010). In Chile, libraries were amplified through the Biblioredes project, under which literacy, access to reliable civic information, and democratic participation have been reinforced for rural communities (Official government source, Biblioredes, Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Heritage).

Closer to home, Kerala’s People’s Library Movement (Kerala State Library Council), with a series of grassroots libraries, has been synonymous with the state's high literacy rate (Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24: 95.3%) and the culture of informed democratic participation. These examples display that libraries are forms of empowerment.

The Reality

Critics may argue that in the digital age, libraries are outdated. When smartphones provide instant access to information, why invest in bricks, shelves, and books? In actuality, this is more complex. First, the access to digital information is disparate. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, conducted in 2019-21, about 31% of rural households in India have access to the internet. Even for those who have this access, issues of data cost, unreliable electricity, and lack of digital literacy hinder usage.

Second, credibility of sources is crucial. The spread of misinformation continues at a large scale despite the infinite information that the internet offers (Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, 2015). On the other hand, libraries are providing curated and reliable information. As per a Pew Research Center (2016) study, in the United States public libraries are one of the most trusted institutions for accurate knowledge in comparison to social media platforms. 

Third, a library creates an atmosphere of community building and shared learning -something the internet can't. Libraries are designated spaces for group study, critical thinking through discussions, and where one book can open an entirely new world.

India is a country that is emerging as a global leader on the international level. Hence, it’s crucial to know that GDP and technological milestones are not the only indicators of progress. Progress is multidimensional; an important factor to consider is the depth of knowledge available to citizens (United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report 2023). A prosperous democracy is one where the people have the ability to make informed democratic choices. Literacy and democracy are inextricable. According to UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report (2016), countries with high adult literacy rates generally demonstrate higher levels of democratic participation and trust. Similarly, researcher Robert Putnam and colleagues, from Harvard University, claim that civic agencies like libraries develop 'social capital,' fostering principles of democracy such as trust and accountability.

In India, the repercussions of neglecting libraries are conspicuous. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) in 2018 found that only 44% of rural youth between the ages of 14 and 18 can read fluently in their regional language, and less than half have the ability to perform basic mathematics. A solid educational foundation is a necessity for youth to exercise their ability of informed engagement in democratic life as future voters.

Call for Action

Given the importance of libraries in molding society, it's imperative to call for action.

First, policies must be prioritized -the educational budget should allocate dedicated funds for the establishment and maintenance of libraries. Education in rural and non-profit schools and colleges must be emphasized.

Second, actions like private-public partnerships can help create models like that of Colombia’s Biblioburro and Kerala’s People’s Library Movement.

Third, charitable investments to promote education could play a vital role; I personally experienced this through my community-led fundraiser to curate a library in a women’s college at Shamli. As capable citizens, it is our duty to give back to society.

However, beyond policies and actions, a change in mindset is very important. In today’s time, libraries are not a ‘soft’ investment. They are the very basis of a strong democratic institution, protecting against misinformation and ignorance.

The library campaign I started in the women’s college is just a tiny step towards change. But, if it can be replicated across thousands of similar institutions and educational centers, this grassroots initiative can convert into a chain reaction. Policymakers, philanthropists, and citizens must work collectively to ensure that every student -whether in India, Latin America, or any other part of the world, rural or urban, irrespective of gender and social status -has the opportunity to discover a book that could change their world.

Conclusion

A democracy is not sustained in parliament alone. When a young student has the ability to pick up a book, read it to their heart’s desire, and imagine a better future, that is when democracy comes to life. Libraries are where it all starts.