The formation of Bala Libraries under the leadership of Balasabha aiming at developing the inherent talents of children are progressing all across the state. 212 Bala Libraries have been formed across Kerala which have a collection of 31,177 books altogether. The Bala Libraries are functioning either in the house of a Balasabha member which is accessible to everyone, in rented rooms, Anganwadis, Krishi Bhavan, Jana Seva Kendras, Health Centres or any such public spaces.
Even though it was directed to start a minimum of 3 Bala Libraries under a District Mission, many districts have started more than that. Maximum number of Bala Libraries are formed in Palakkad district. A total of 137 Bala Libraries are functioning there.16 Bala Libraries function in Malappuram, 13 in Ernakulam, 10 in Kozhikode, 5 in Kottayam, 4 in Wayanad and 3 Bala Libraries each function in Idukki and Kasaragode districts.
Formation of Bala Libraries was one of the main activities of Balasabha. It aimed at improving the reading habit of children which would in turn improve the mental growth of the children. A registered Bala Library would have a minimum of 300 books. The books were collected through ' Pusthakayathra', a book collection drive organised by the Kudumbashree members, Balasabha members and ward members. The chairs, tables, shelves and almirahs for the Bala Library were found through sponsorship. Kudumbashree Mission would also extend financial assistance for setting up Bala Libraries. A committee comprising of 3 Balasabha members ( President, Vice president, Secretary), Ads representative, ward member, CDS Chairperson/ CDS member and Balasabha Resource Persons would be in charge of the functioning of the Bala Library. A Kudumbashree member would act as a librarian for the Bala Library.
Balasabha is a collective attempt to ensure the participation of children in the democratic space at the local Government level and in their community. Small Learning Groups for experimental and systematic learning, opportunities for understanding democratic process, participation in conserving environment, enabling children to unfold the intricacies of collectivization are the basic focal points of Balasabha. There are 32,878 Balsabhas in the state with 4,30,908 children as members.
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