Masterclass on Setting Up a Community Library: What to Start With, What to Build Over Time

This masterclass offers a practical, experience-based guide to setting up a community library that is inclusive, child-friendly, and rooted in the local context. Drawing from on-the-ground learnings from Bansa Community Library, the session explores the key considerations involved in starting a library, from choosing and preparing a space, selecting books and materials, and building trust with children and families, to fostering shared ownership and long-term sustainability.

The focus is on principles and practices that can be adapted across communities, helping participants move from intention to action when creating meaningful library spaces. The session will also offer practical insights for educators, caregivers, and program implementers on creating inclusive, child-centred community spaces that support both childhood and collective growth.

What to expect?

• Gain a practical understanding of how to start and sustain a community library that is welcoming and useful for children and families
• Learn how to prioritise access, trust, and shared ownership while setting up the space
• Understand how to select books and materials that encourage engagement
• Explore ways to create simple systems that support regular use without over-regulation
• Build the ability to anticipate common challenges and adapt library practices to their own community contexts

This masterclass is designed for:

• Preschool educators and Anganwadi Workers
• NGO program officers and frontline implementers working with children and communities
• Parents and caregivers
• Early childhood practitioners interested in creating inclusive, child-centred spaces
• Curriculum designers and researchers exploring community-led approaches to supporting early childhood development