As of 1 March 2026, the State Central Library had a collection of over 2 lakh book volumes, along with magazines, government publications and newspapers dating back to the 1970s.
Shillong, Nov 3: The renovated State Central Library along with the House of Ryndia, Shillong was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday.
The library includes improved reading facilities, archive sections, a children’s reading area and a Knowledge Corner for students preparing for national-level competitive examinations.
Established in 1974, the State Central Library was renovated under Rs 2.23-crore assistance under the National Mission on Libraries.
The Mission supports infrastructure upgradation, modern technology, networking, improved services and better access for different groups of library users.
In his address, the Chief Minister informed that the renovated library has modernised the space while promoting reading habits among the youth and the public.
“There is a push to make libraries ‘cool’ and enjoyable through better amenities like local coffee, tea and snacks to encourage students to spend time reading without mobile devices,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of reading among the youth and called upon parents and teachers to help inculcate a consistent habit of reading in children.
As of 1 March 2026, the State Central Library had a collection of over 2 lakh book volumes, along with magazines, government publications and newspapers dating back to the 1970s.
The library has approximately 31,000 registered members and issues around 200 books daily. The Knowledge Corner began as an initiative during 2019–20 and has now been upgraded into a full-fledged facility dedicated to competitive-examination aspirants.
The library has adopted E-Granthalaya software, Online Public Access Catalogue and Web OPAC facilities, enabling readers to locate materials and access information more efficiently.
The House of Ryndia which was also inaugurated provides a dedicated platform for Meghalaya’s indigenous textiles, improving public access, visibility and market linkages.
The State-Level Living Heritage Arts & Craft Village Festival that was also held recognizes traditional arts, crafts, music, food practices, oral traditions and community knowledge that continue to be practised across Meghalaya.
Pillars of Development
Earlier, the Chief Minister outlined the important pillars of Meghalaya’s development emphasized the need for branding Meghalaya through sustainable tourism and cultural preservation, ensuring that progress is tangible and culturally grounded.
He stressed the need for preservation of living heritage, wider public access to knowledge and stronger visibility and market opportunities for traditional textile producers.
Sagnma informed that the growth and development model focuses on (i) infrastructure development focusing on closing gaps in roads, buildings, schools, hospitals and sports facilities through significant capital investment (ii) personal development to ensure infrastructure translates into improved lives such as farmers’ increasing production or entrepreneurs accessing national markets and (iii) tradition emphasizing identity, culture and roots.
On tourism strategy the Chief Minister aimed to move beyond existing USPs like Sohra, Mawlynnong, Dawki etc by creating new brands around 11 specific locations creating economic diversification converting sectors like sports, music, textiles and handicrafts into viable economies that create livelihoods and jobs.
He also informed that efforts are being made to create sustainable branding of local traditions and culture more effectively by involving the community.
