By: Ikram Ul Haq
Ikram34439@yahoo.com
Once, Maulana Shibli Nomani said: “Books are the mirror of a nation’s past, present, and future. A nation that turns away from books loses its identity. “Similarly, Ibn Khaldun emphasized: “Knowledge is the foundation of civilization, and the book is the pillar of knowledge. The nation that abandoned knowledge and books fell into decline.” These words highlight the indispensable role of books and libraries in preserving the intellectual and cultural heritage of a society.
Libraries and literature are closely interconnected. Literature encompasses diverse genres, including poetry, drama, short stories, novels, epics, travelogues, biographies, and literary criticism. Writers continually enrich the literary treasury with their creative works, and libraries have historically served as the custodians of this vast human knowledge. Beyond mere preservation, libraries play a vital role in promoting literature by safeguarding heritage, encouraging reading habits, and ensuring equitable access to creative works.
From traditional libraries to digital repositories, libraries have always nurtured literary taste and intellectual growth. They provide not only access to knowledge but also environments conducive to research, reflection, and creative thinking.
Before the formal education of library science, libraries were entrusted to scholars and thinkers. History testifies that great minds like Avicenna (Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Abd Allah ibn Sina), a philosopher and scientist, and Amir Khusro, the renowned Sufi poet and musician, also undertook library duties in their lifetimes. This demonstrates that libraries have always been closely associated with scholars, intellectuals, and writers. Even today, they remain essential for the advancement of intellectual, scientific, literary, and linguistic pursuits.
Not everyone can afford expensive or rare books. Libraries bridge this gap by providing free or low-cost access to valuable resources. In developed countries, many rare and historic literary works have been preserved digitally. Developing nations, however, often lag behind. In Pakistan, some libraries are actively digitizing old and rare Urdu books, journals, and newspapers, a critical effort not only for preserving intellectual heritage but also for bringing literature closer to
younger generations. Institutions connected with Urdu language and literature are increasingly converting their collections into digital formats, allowing broader and easier access.
Libraries are not merely repositories of books, they are also centers of culture and learning. They organize events, exhibitions, dialogues, and literary activities that foster reading habits and advance language and literature. Educational institution libraries play a particularly vital role, providing access to diverse literary genres and hosting academic and literary events that broaden students’ intellectual horizons, refine their language skills, and nurture creativity. For instance, Mr. Kashif Kamal, Chief Librarian at Fazaia Bilquis College of Education for Women, regularly organizes such activities to engage students and promote reading culture.
In modern times, librarians also act as academic mentors or information guides, helping readers access accurate and high-quality materials. For example, in January 2018, Dr. Muhammad Haroon Usmani, then Chief Librarian of the University of the Punjab, in collaboration with the Department of English Literature, launched a monthly “Book Club” at the Central Library. The program, where subject specialists present book reviews, continues to successfully foster a reading culture among students.
The Chughtai Public Library, managed by the Chughtai Foundation and headed by Mrs. Rehana Kausar, provides traditional library services alongside a mobile library. Mobile libraries, though few in Pakistan, serve as effective tools for reaching rural and underprivileged communities. The library team also organizes literary and scholarly events throughout the year. A notable initiative here is the concept of a “Human Library.” where successful individuals are invited as living books, allowing readers to ask questions and benefit from their experiences.Similarly, under the Department of Libraries, Islamabad, led by Mr. Muhammad Arshad, numerous public libraries organize exhibitions, seminars, and other programs to promote reading and literacy. In today’s digital era, e-libraries and online databases have made access to global literary treasures easier, while audiobooks and digital formats allow readers to transcend geographical boundaries and engage with knowledge worldwide.
Renowned journalist Mahmood Sham publishes a monthly magazine, “Atraaf, ” and his December “Book Number” is eagerly awaited by book lovers. Former University of Karachi Professor, Dr. Nasim Fatima, publishes a book series titled “Adab-o-Kutub Khana” (Literature and Library), presenting libraries and literature as complementary forces.
The Art Council of Pakistan organizes an International Urdu Conference, where literary scholars and enthusiasts gather to share ideas, and Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Shah (Hilal-e-Imtiaz) has been phenomenal in leading and contributing to these initiatives.
Libraries and their affiliated organizations can actively promote Urdu literature by hosting academic seminars, book launches, storytelling sessions, author interactions, and linguistic workshops. These activities familiarize the younger generation with the richness, diversity, and beauty of the language and its literature.
In June 2025, the Society for the Promotion of Reading and Improvement of Libraries (SPRIL) was established. Founding members include Ikram Ul Haq, Rabiya Ali Faridi, Sameem Kardar, and Jawahar Aleem. SPRIL collaborates with writers, educators, and book enthusiasts to promote reading habits, book culture, and library development. Notable collaborations with the Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology and Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu have strengthened its presence, and SPRIL recently hosted its first College Librarians’ Symposium.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Pakistan Library Society and the Department of Library and Information Science at Khushal Khan Khattak University have jointly organized conferences and training workshops. Across Pakistan, government, semi-government, and private organizations are engaged in promoting books s and and literacy according to their capacities.
There is a pressing need to revive the national body of Pakistani librarians, the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), which has been inactive for several years. A revitalized PLA could coordinate nationwide programs to enhance reading culture and improve library infrastructure. If the government, in collaboration with library organizations, invests in libraries across public institutions, schools, colleges, universities, and scholarly and literary institutions, these libraries can play a pivotal role in sustaining Pakistan’s intellectual and literary traditions while cultivating reading habits in the younger generation.
If libraries remain vibrant and flourishing, languages and culture will thrive. When languages live, the lamp of civilization, knowledge, and culture will never be extinguished. Our task is clear: to make the book once again a cherished companion of the heart.
