In an effort to provide easy access to literature, study material, and books by Himachali authors, the Department of Language & Culture is establishing ‘Kitaab Ghar’ (Book Houses) across all districts where the department has its own indoor auditoriums. These centres are being developed on the lines of the existing Kitaab Ghar at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, in collaboration with the Himachal Art, Culture & Language Academy.
The initiative aims to promote reading habits, make available literary works of local writers, and support researchers studying Himachal’s diverse cultural and folk heritage. The centres will also serve as outlets for the sale of books published by Himachali authors, thereby encouraging literary excellence in the state.
Director of the Department, Rima Kashyap, IAS, informed that the first Kitaab Ghar in Shimla was opened in 2022 at Gaiety Theatre under the guidance of Secretary (Language & Culture) Rakesh Kanwar, IAS. Since then, new Kitaab Ghars have been established in Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan and Kullu, offering reading spaces along with sales of departmental publications and magazines.
These centres will remain open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and interested students, researchers and readers will be able to purchase books from the respective District Language Offices. The department believes this will deepen public engagement with Himachal’s literature, culture and environmental heritage.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
