Sri Vijaya Puram, November 14: The observance of National Book Week 2026 began today at the State Library, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, with the inauguration of a book exhibition organised by the Education Department. National Book Week is being observed across the country from November 14 to 20 to promote the habit of reading, particularly among children and young adults. The occasion also recalls the National Book Trust’s vision of promoting books and its message that ‘Books are our best friends.’
The exhibition showcases a collection of books on a wide range of subjects and on the heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Inaugurating it, Mrs. Bindu Varma, District Education Officer (DEO), South Andaman, stressed the importance of cultivating a strong reading culture and described books as powerful instruments of knowledge, inspiration and personal transformation.
The State Library, which has about 28,000 registered members, serves as a centre of learning for students, researchers and the general public. As part of the celebrations, it is showcasing 820 books on diverse subjects. The exhibition will remain open to the public from November 15 to 20, 2026, between 9.30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Literary and creative competitions for school students, including elocution, drawing, essay writing and storytelling, will also be organised during the week.
