Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Invites Proposals for 2025-26 State Library Awards
The government of Maharashtra wants to say thank you to libraries and the people who work hard to make reading fun.
They are giving special awards to the best libraries and library workers.
To win, libraries and workers need to send in their papers by September 25, 2026.
The awards are named after two important people, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Dr S. R. Ranganathan.
Libraries from both cities and villages can apply.
They are sorted into groups called A, B, C, and D. The best libraries will win money, from Rs 25,000 up to Rs 1 lakh.
They will also get a certificate, a memento, and some books.
This is a way to encourage more people to read and to make libraries better.
The person in charge, Ashok Gadekar, is asking everyone who can apply to do so before the deadline.
The Directorate of Libraries under Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Department has invited proposals for the 2025-26 State Library Awards.
Eligible libraries, library movement activists, and employees must submit proposals by September 25, 2026.
Awards include the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Best Library Award and the Dr S. R. Ranganathan Best Library Worker and Servant Award.
Outstanding government-recognised public libraries from urban and rural areas in categories A, B, C, and D are eligible.
Selected libraries receive cash prizes of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000, and Rs 25,000, along with a memento, certificate, and a collection of books.
- Who
- The Directorate of Libraries under Maharashtra's Higher and Technical Education Department, led by Acting Director of Libraries Ashok Gadekar.
- What
- Invited proposals for the 2025-26 State Library Awards to encourage qualitative development of public libraries and promote reading culture.
- When
- Proposals must be submitted by September 25, 2026.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India.
- Why
- To recognise institutions and individuals contributing to the development of public libraries and the library movement in Maharashtra.
Supporters of the Awards
Critics of the Awards
Purpose of Awards
Supporters of the Awards
Awards encourage qualitative development of public libraries and promote reading culture across the state.
Critics of the Awards
Awards may not address underlying issues such as funding or infrastructure that libraries face.
- Award Name
- 2025-26 State Library Awards
- Organising Body
- Directorate of Libraries, Higher and Technical Education Department, Maharashtra
- Deadline
- September 25, 2026
- Award Categories
- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Best Library Award; Dr S. R. Ranganathan Best Library Worker and Servant Award
- Eligible Libraries
- Government-recognised public libraries in urban and rural areas, categories A, B, C, D
- Cash Prizes
- Rs 1 lakh, Rs 75,000, Rs 50,000, Rs 25,000
- Other Prizes
- Memento, certificate, collection of books
- Submission Requirement
- Three copies to the concerned District Library Officer