Across villages in Maharashtra’s Nagpur, unused government buildings are being turned into libraries where students and working adults can prepare for competitive exams, access computers and study in a quiet space. The initiative, called Project DREAM, began after officials noticed abandoned public buildings during a government cleanliness and records-management drive. It has since developed into a network of village libraries designed around local needs, with residents and children helping shape the spaces.
How Project DREAM began
As reported by the Indian Express, Project DREAM was conceived during the government’s 100-day programme, when officials were tasked with organising old records and improving cleanliness in government offices. During field visits, Nagpur Zilla Parishad chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni and his team noticed several public buildings that were locked or no longer in use.The team identified unused Gram Panchayat offices, community halls, Anganwadi centres and school buildings that could be converted into libraries. The initiative began taking shape around April 2025.Some buildings needed repairs before they could be used. In villages in the Ramtek and Parseoni areas, officials found structures in poor condition. Repair work could cost up to Rs 2.5 lakh, Mahamuni said, adding that a library could be set up within about 20 days once the necessary repairs were completed.
Villagers and children helped design the libraries
Image courtesy: X/@CMOMaharashtra
The project was not designed as a uniform network of identical reading rooms. According to a TOI report, villagers, including children and sarpanches, sent postcards with sketches and ideas for their ideal libraries. The suggestions helped officials understand what each village needed, from furniture and book collections to colours and other facilities.According to the official website, The Project DREAM, children, teachers, families and village representatives shared their ideas, including requests for shelves, better lighting, seating and computers.
A place to prepare for competitive exams
At Lava village, the library offers students bookshelves, two computers, a smart TV and individual study compartments. More than 15 students were using the facility, according to The Indian Express. The libraries offer facilities such as books, internet-enabled computers and smart TVs. Some can remain accessible around the clock, with Village Library Committees helping manage their use.
Funding and expansion plans
The libraries are supported through funds available to the district administration and Zilla Parishad, including cess funds, the Tribal Sub-Plan and the Other Tribal Sub-Plan. As reported by The Indian Express, when structural repairs exceed Rs 7 lakh, the Gram Panchayat undertakes the repair work, while the administration handles the interiors and other arrangements.The initiative has expanded beyond its initial rollout. A report published by The Hitavada on June 4 said 103 libraries had been established and preparations were under way for another 100. The Project DREAM website has separately listed 102 libraries across 13 talukas, reflecting figures reported at different stages. The project also received national recognition, with a special cover issued by the Department of Posts featuring the initiative.