The Indira Gandhi Memorial (IGM) Library, University of Hyderabad, was delighted to host 220 students of Classes VI, VII, and VIII from the Campus School, University of Hyderabad, on 16 July 2026 as part of the CBSE Reading Month and Bagless Days initiatives under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The programme aimed to cultivate reading habits, promote information and digital literacy, and provide young learners with an opportunity to experience the functioning of university library. The students were welcomed by Dr. O. Sivasankar Prasad, University Librarian (I/c), who highlighted the importance of libraries in fostering curiosity, independent learning, and lifelong reading habits.
The Assistant Librarians of the respective sections demonstrated how library resources are systematically classified, shelved, and retrieved using standard library practices and software applications. They also provided an overview of the wide range of print and digital resources available through the IGM Library. Students received hands-on guidance on accessing the library’s digital collections, including e-books, e-journals, audiobooks, and educational videos. In addition, they were introduced to national digital learning platforms such as the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and DIKSHA, and were familiarized with the use of online scholarly databases and other electronic information resources that support learning, research, and academic excellence.
During the guided tour, the students visited various sections of the library, including the Reference Section, Digital Library, Periodicals Section, Rare Books Collection, Reading Halls, and other facilities. The library’s professional staff explained the services and resources available and demonstrated the latest library applications and technologies, including the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), digital library services, and access to electronic resources.
The visit was accompanied by Shri P. Murali, Principal, Campus School, along with other teachers, who appreciated the efforts of the IGM Library staff in organizing the programme and providing a meaningful learning experience. Shri P. Murali expressed his sincere gratitude to the library staff for their warm hospitality, meticulous planning, and informative orientation, which enabled the students to gain first-hand exposure to the rich print and digital resources available in an academic library.
The enthusiastic participation of the students made the visit both engaging and memorable. The programme successfully advanced the objectives of the CBSE Reading Month and Bagless Days initiatives by promoting experiential learning beyond the classroom and encouraging a lifelong interest in reading and knowledge.
The orientation concluded with an interactive session encouraging students to develop the habit of reading for at least 15 minutes every day, emphasizing that regular reading strengthens knowledge, language skills, creativity, critical thinking, and academic performance.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Library remains committed to organizing educational outreach programmes that strengthen the University’s engagement with schools and the wider community while fostering a culture of reading, digital literacy, and lifelong learning.