Public Libraries: Centres of Community

Back at it again and, suffice to say, this is one for the books (literally)! **Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta**, this month's speaker, will be talking about how libraries can serve as crucial focal points for learning, coming together, and participating as a collective. Central to this discussion would be her efforts toward revitalizing Karnataka's rural public libraries amidst the pandemic, transforming them into vibrant spaces that empower communities.

A senior IAS officer whose career spans over 3 decades, Uma has donned many a department's hat: most prominent among these are the Departments of Women & Child Development, Education, and Health & Family Welfare. She is currently serving as the Karnataka government's Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner. She often writes for The Indian Express, The Hindu, and the Deccan Herald.

*As always, all are welcome\**

*\*By all we mean those from any walk of life irrespective of caste, religion, gender or sexuality. We strive to be an inclusive space for engaged discussion*