First-ever free reading room-cum-library in Shopian becomes students’ attraction

Shopian, Feb 9: Bundling himself in several layers of clothing, Shah Mujeeb arrives at a public library in south Kashmir’s Shopian town at 7 am and leaves only after darkness descends. A NEET aspirant, Mujeeb has been visiting the facility religiously for the past few weeks, determined to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

“The facility offers a feasible reading environment,” Mujeeb said. “At home there are many distractions, but here I can study with full concentration for long hours.”

Mujeeb is not alone. Dozens of students and job aspirants from Shopian and adjoining areas have been spending long hours at the reading room-cum-library established by the Rural Development Department (RDD), which has emerged as a vital support system for those preparing for competitive examinations.

The library, housed in a government building in the town, has a seating capacity of around 100 students. Most seats remain occupied throughout the day, reflecting the growing demand for quiet and accessible study spaces in the district. The facility is open for extended hours and is being used free of cost by students preparing for examinations such as NEET, JKSSB and UPSC and other competitive exams. “For students like us, who cannot afford private coaching centres or personal study rooms, this library is a blessing,”, a job aspirant preparing for JKSSB examinations. “It gives us a disciplined routine and a serious academic atmosphere.”

Officials said the initiative was aimed at addressing the lack of dedicated reading spaces, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. DrShakeel Ahmad Bhat, Block Development Officer (BDO) Shopian, told Greater Kashmir that the department wanted to create an inclusive learning environment for youth.

“Apart from providing a reading space, the facility also has a collection of competitive examination books and reference material,” Bhat said. “Our aim is to support students and job aspirants who otherwise struggle to find proper infrastructure for preparation.” Given the harsh winter conditions in the region, heating arrangements have been prioritised. The library is equipped with adequate heating facilities, including air conditioners being used as heaters, ensuring a comfortable environment even during freezing temperatures. “This is especially important during winters when students find it difficult to study at home due to power cuts and cold conditions,” said a group of students

They said the availability of heating, and a peaceful atmosphere has helped them maintain consistency in their preparation. “Even during peak winter, the library remains functional, which motivates us to stay focused,” Samiullah Bhat, another NEET aspirant from the district’s Tekipora. With rising competition and limited resources, such initiatives, students believe, can play a crucial role in shaping their futures. Many have urged the administration to expand similar facilities to other blocks of the district and enhance the availability of books and digital resources. As dusk settles over Shopian, the library remains lit — a quiet testament to the aspirations of youth striving for a better future through education.