Reading is a skill that is required by all children. It is a way for students to understand the world and develop thinking habits. Schoolbooks are important, but non-academic books give them a chance to explore, imagine, and enjoy the world around them. The Ministry of Education has launched Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, a free digital library for schools, to help students and teachers access books beyond the classroom.
The library has been created keeping different age groups in mind. Students can find stories, poems, folk tales, biographies, and other books that interest them. Teachers can guide students to suitable books, but the main idea is that students can explore at their own pace and enjoy reading for curiosity rather than marks.
How Schools Can Use Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya?
National Book Trust (NBT) manages this e-pustakalaya under the Ministry of Education. Schools need to register their students and teachers on the platform. Once registered, students can access books on the web, Android, or iOS devices. Teachers can suggest reading lists or have short discussions about books during library periods or activity time. Even a few minutes of reading each day can make a difference. The platform does not require students to follow a strict schedule, so they can read whenever they have time.
Is It For All Students?
The library is for all students and is divided by age so that it is eaasier for students to choose books. This helps teachers suggest books that match the reading level of their students. Younger children can enjoy simple stories while older students can challenge themselves without feeling overwhelmed.
- 3-8 years: Picture books, rhymes, and short stories
- 8-11 years: Folk tales, short biographies, and adventure stories
- 11-14 years: Poems, short novels, and non-fiction
- 14+ years: Novels, biographies, and creative writing
Does It Have A Variety of Books?
Currently, Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya has a selection of over 5,500 books from more than 200 publishers. These books are available in 23 Indian languages. Students can read in any language they are comfortable in, or they can even try a new language if they wish.
The library has a selection that includes both traditional and modern stories, poems, and biographies. Having such a variety helps them connect with Indian culture and literature while also honing their language skills. Students can also find books of their own interest, whether it is history, folk stories, or mythology.
Where Can They Read?
The best part about this library is that it can be accessed anywhere. Teachers can use the smart classrooms, or students can use the computer lab to access these books. Furthermore, they can also read on a mobile phone, tablet or desktop at home. This becomes flexible for students to develop their reading habits and read as per their convenience. Slowly, it also becomes a part of their daily habit. In school, teachers can assign stories or activities that encourage reading.
Why Non-Academic Reading Matters
Non-academic books help students improve vocabulary, comprehension, and thinking skills. They also give students a break from exams and academic pressure. By exploring different stories, students learn to think independently and enjoy learning.
Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya provides equal access to books for all students, including those in remote areas. It is a resource that schools can use to encourage reading, improve literacy, and create a positive reading culture.
FAQs
1. What is Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya?
It is a free digital library of non-academic books for students and teachers.
2. Who can use it?
Students and teachers in schools can register and use the library.
3. What types of books are available?
Stories, poems, biographies, folk tales, novels, and other non-academic books.
4. How many books are available?
More than 5,500 books from over 200 publishers.
5. In which languages are the books?
23 Indian languages.
6. Where can it be accessed?
Web, Android, and iOS devices.
7. How can teachers support students?
Teachers can suggest books, discuss stories, and guide students to build a reading habit.