Rise of Private Libraries in Manipur Amidst Ethnic Tensions
Emergence of Private Libraries
Imphal, July 26: Due to unreliable mobile internet and inadequate study spaces at home, many job seekers in Manipur are turning to private libraries that offer affordable facilities.
In the wake of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in over 260 fatalities and left many homeless, these libraries have seen significant growth over the past two to three years, catering to the needs of job seekers, readers, and library owners.
Unlike conventional libraries filled with extensive academic resources, these private establishments provide magazines, study materials for competitive exams, and Wi-Fi access, creating a serene environment for visitors to focus on their own reading materials.
Th Abemma, an aspirant for government jobs in Imphal, was observed studying and browsing the internet at a private library to prepare for state civil service exams, while Laishram Victor, a graduate, was engaged in his studies for CDS tests at a similar facility.
Many job seekers, like Abemma and Victor, are utilizing around 40 private libraries in the Imphal area and Kakching district, as they face a challenging home environment for studying, compounded by frequent internet shutdowns due to ongoing ethnic strife, according to stakeholders.
The trend of utilizing shared spaces for reading and internet access has developed over the last two years, with private libraries emerging to meet the demands of individuals lacking dedicated study rooms at home. Victor, who graduated from Darjeeling in 2023, visits a library daily from 7 am to 5 pm to prepare for SSC and CDS exams.
“Three years ago, there were fewer than five private libraries in Imphal. Many of my friends and I struggled to secure seats due to limited availability. This prompted a friend and me to establish a library to serve readers, particularly those preparing for various national-level exams,” shared A Mayanglambam, co-founder of Books and Brain.
The majority of visitors at their library in Imphal's Keisampat area, which accommodates 92 people, are preparing for NEET and other national-level competitive exams, he noted.
“Most of them lack the time to read novels, so I focused on creating a comfortable reading environment rather than stocking numerous books,” added Mayanglambam, who is also preparing for banking exams.
Charging monthly fees between Rs 1,000 and Rs 1,300, over 40 private libraries have emerged in the Imphal area and Kakching district in the last few years, all catering to the needs of readers, according to Johnson Yumnam, who operates My Reading Room at Ghari.
“The rise of private libraries in Imphal is a response to the poor reading conditions at home. These libraries are primarily frequented by job seekers who struggle to concentrate on their studies at home. As many have completed their education, they find a sense of competitiveness when studying in libraries,” Yumnam explained.
While a library culture has existed in Manipur for decades, seating has always been limited. The COVID pandemic and subsequent ethnic conflicts have led to a notable increase in interest in private libraries, according to owners.
The growing interest in these libraries is also associated with an increasing number of Manipuri youths pursuing national exams, including SSC, banking, and UPSC.
“Many families in Imphal reside in cramped conditions, often sharing rooms with siblings and elders. Private libraries offer an environment where aspirants can connect with peers and discuss strategies for national-level exams. Studying at home can feel isolating, so they come here to engage with others who share similar goals,” Yumnam added.
The amenities provided by private libraries, such as dependable internet access, have also drawn many readers.
Abemma, a state civil service aspirant who recently passed her prelims and is preparing for the mains, stated, “The state frequently experiences internet shutdowns and power outages. Private libraries offer free Wi-Fi by obtaining permits from authorities during internet bans, and the rooms are fully air-conditioned, making them appealing to aspirants.”
“Some libraries even have attached cafes for brief relaxation, enhancing their attractiveness to readers,” she concluded.
- By Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba