Maharashtra's Project DREAM Transforms Unused Buildings into Libraries
Unused government structures in Nagpur are being repurposed into community libraries under Project DREAM, enhancing educational resources for villagers.
Project DREAM converts abandoned government buildings into libraries for students and adults.
Villagers actively participate in designing library spaces tailored to local needs.
The initiative has led to the establishment of over 100 libraries across Nagpur's villages.
In a significant move to bolster educational resources, Maharashtra's Nagpur district is witnessing the transformation of unused government buildings into vibrant community libraries through an initiative known as Project DREAM. This project emerged during a government cleanliness and records-management drive, where officials discovered numerous abandoned public structures that could serve as valuable educational spaces for students and working adults.
The inception of Project DREAM can be traced back to a 100-day government program aimed at organizing old records and enhancing cleanliness in government offices. During this initiative, Vinayak Mahamuni, the chief executive officer of Nagpur Zilla Parishad, along with his team, identified several locked or neglected public buildings, including Gram Panchayat offices and community halls, suitable for conversion into libraries. The project began to take form around April 2025.
While some of these buildings required repairs before they could be utilized, the potential for creating libraries was evident. Mahamuni noted that repair costs could reach up to Rs 2.5 lakh, but once renovations were completed, a library could be established within approximately 20 days. The involvement of local residents, especially children, in designing the libraries has been a unique aspect of the project, with villagers providing input on furniture, book collections, and overall aesthetics.
The libraries created under Project DREAM are equipped with essential facilities, including books, internet-enabled computers, and smart TVs. For instance, the library in Lava village features bookshelves, two computers, and individual study compartments, catering to the needs of over 15 students at a time. Some libraries are even accessible around the clock, managed by Village Library Committees to ensure their effective use.
Funding for these libraries comes from various sources, including district administration funds and specific programs aimed at tribal development. As of now, 103 libraries have been established, with plans for an additional 100 in the pipeline. The initiative has garnered national recognition, highlighted by a special cover from the Department of Posts celebrating Project DREAM's impact on local communities.
