The school library should inspire curiosity and learning, but it feels more like a forgotten corner. With old books, locked shelves, and few students using it, can we transform it into a space that sparks excitement for reading again?
Libraries are supposed to be places of learning, imagination, and inspiration. They are meant to open up worlds of knowledge and spark curiosity in young minds. But sadly, our school library seems far from achieving this goal. Instead of being a space students want to visit, it feels neglected, outdated, and uninviting.
Merlyn Jane from 12B summed up the library’s condition well.
She said that there are positives, like “infrastructure, ambience, many encyclopedias, Shakespeare books, and helpful textbooks.” She also added, “the lack of variety in books is a major problem.”
Another student voiced their frustration, saying, “I can’t find a book to read which I would like.” The shelves are packed with classic literature, which is great for some, but there’s hardly anything for students who enjoy genres like thrillers, fantasy, or science fiction.
The fiction bookshelf—a single, overcrowded bookshelf—is like a mystery novel itself: you never know what you’ll find, and half the time, it’s not what you’re looking for.
How can we expect students to explore their literary tastes when there’s no effort to cater to them?
And then there’s the issue of accessibility—or rather, inaccessibility.
“When the cupboard is locked you can’t even see what’s inside it, to even request for it to be opened.”
Tanisha Gane shared an experience that seems all too common: when she asked for a bookshelf to be opened to retrieve a book, she was told to return the following week because the staff were “busy.”
It’s hard to imagine what could be more pressing in a library than letting someone read a book, but here we are.
While I’m sure there’s a good reason for it, the message it sends is... well, not exactly inviting.
More than half the bookshelves in the library are locked. Why lock away books meant to be read? Why discourage students from engaging with the very resources the library exists to provide? Such practices deter curiosity and send a clear message: the library is not a priority.
Even when bookshelves are unlocked, the organizational chaos leaves much to be desired. Books are often misplaced, and labels on bookshelves fail to reflect their contents.
This disarray undermines the library’s credibility as a structured, reliable resource hub. The root of the problem lies not just in the physical state of the library but in the broader perception of its relevance. “I hardly know anyone who even uses the library,” said Om, a statement that should alarm anyone who cares about fostering a reading culture. Libraries are meant to be vibrant, bustling with students seeking knowledge.
Another glaring issue is the complete absence of dedicated library periods in the school schedule. Without allocated time for students to visit the library, many never get the chance to explore its resources or develop a reading habit. The library feels less like a core part of the school and more like an afterthought.
This lack of integration into the daily routine sends a message that the library is unimportant, further discouraging students from using it. How can a library fulfill its purpose if students aren’t even given the opportunity to engage with it regularly?
It’s worth noting that our school recently constructed a basement—a commendable step in improving infrastructure. But what good is a new basement if a cornerstone of learning like the library is left in such a sorry state?
The current state of the library is disappointing, but it’s not hopeless. If we make some changes, it can become a space students want to visit and use.
The collection needs to be expanded to include books from diverse genres like fantasy, mystery, science fiction, and graphic novels, catering to different interests so every student feels represented.
Outdated and worn-out books should be replaced with fresh, relevant titles that excite readers. The practice of locking bookshelves must stop; all bookshelves should be unlocked, and if staffing is an issue, a supervised access system can be introduced.
Proper organization is essential, with books placed in the correct bookshelves and accurate labels to make finding books easy and efficient.
Beyond the collection, the library needs to engage students with activities like book clubs and reading challenges, making it a lively, inviting space.
The library needs to be upgraded. Our school deserves better, and so do we.
Written by Sukriti Gupta, a 12th grader at SJBHS Bengaluru
This article was written for and published in The Josephite Journal, a student-run publication curated by the 11th and 12th graders of St. Joseph's Boys High School, Bengaluru, as part of the Editorial Board Training Program
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