Oxford University Press Strengthens Outreach with Anganwadi Centre Libraries in Uttar Pradesh

India continues to face pressing challenges in early childhood literacy.. Research has shown that nearly 80 million children between the ages of 3–6 reside in the country, and the learning outcomes are on a descending scale owing to systemic reasons such as constrained funding, absence of trained teachers, and uneven access to quality early childhood education programmes.

Indeed, as per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2024), preschool enrollments have dwindled drastically from the summation of an astonishing 1.60 million children enrollments covering about 6.49 lakh children in rural India, as testimony to advances made in foundational literacy and numeracy. However, in this great increase, many children are still without very basic skills of reading and simple comprehension, especially from the underprivileged communities.

In this context, initiatives to increase access to books for structured reading, as well as to create defined reading spaces, are seen as imperative in bridging the literacy gap. Reports did indicate some very positive strides by the OUP India libraries initiative in promoting early childhood literacy in the country. Through its partnership with the National Book Trust, Oxford University Press India could set up 100 libraries at the Anganwadi centres in Uttar Pradesh, where the NBT instituted the Ministry of Education. Reportedly, the project covered 50 centres in Lucknow and another 50 in Gorakhpur; a major milestone in outreach for Oxford University Press India.

This initiative was to instil a lifelong love for reading and to help make learning an everyday engaging experience for young children in their foundational years. It also achieved targets set under India's National Education Policy (NEP 2020) on literacy and foundational learning. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Anganwadi libraries project in Uttar Pradesh at the state book fairs first in Lucknow in September and later in Gorakhpur. Reportedly, on both occasions, the Chief Minister congratulated the Anganwadi workers for their dedication and lauded OUP India's literacy programme for instilling reading habits among the early learners.

Anganwadis are constituted under India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme, playing a crucial role when it comes to supporting learning and development in underserved communities. They provide vital services such as early childhood education, nutrition, health check‑ups, and immunisation for children under six years of age. By the addition of libraries, these centres are creating vocational reading spaces for young learners by embedding reading into daily routines.

It was reported that book racks at each of these 100 centres stocked a specially selected collection of almost 350 books. This selection includes vibrant picture books and interactive materials about the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes and storytelling; designed to stimulate curiosity and imagination while embedding reading in everyday life. The project of OUP India establishes 100 libraries in Anganwadi centres, which have been described as making reading fun and accessible while also giving rural underprivileged children reading access.

Project estimates observed Oxford University Press India's launch library project in UP Anganwadis, reflecting a wider commitment to reading culture among underserved communities. The project was said to display how OUP India promotes reading for children in underprivileged areas with the support of objectives governed by NEP 2020. The OUP-NBT collaboration to nurture reading in rural Uttar Pradesh was thus explained to have long-term benefits, in terms of improved literacy and foundational learning as well as creativity building among children.

The Oxford University Press OUP rural library project in India, in summary, is said to have reaffirmed its social responsibility toward education. This project, equipping 100 Anganwadi centres with nearly 350 books each, was perceived as a rather pragmatic way to embed reading into these children's everyday lives. The impact of OUP's 100 Anganwadi libraries on early childhood education is described as being vast, as it not only supports literacy but also protects children's rights to quality learning resources. In the end, the project was seen as an important step toward a stronger reading culture in rural Uttar Pradesh that empowers young learners with skills and confidence for a lifetime of learning.

Editor’s Note:

The OUP India library initiative is a clear example of how proactive measures can strengthen early childhood education in India. Oxford University Press India has thus established 100 libraries in Anganwadi centres spread across Lucknow and Gorakhpur and provided thousands of young children with access to books, which will encourage inquisitiveness and help develop a reading habit. This is more than just distributing books; it is about creating safe, fun learning spaces for children where imagination and growth can happen. The government acknowledged the prime status of literacy through NEP-2020, placing an immense emphasis on basic learning. However, there is still so much more to be done to ensure that every child, with special reference to the rural and disadvantaged areas, has access to the same quality resources. Extending the network of libraries to Anganwadi centres and primary schools should support training the Anganwadi workers and teachers on the effective use of books, and allocating explicit budgets for literacy programmes would only further consolidate this effort. In addition, monitoring the learning outcomes helps ensure that children indeed go to school and gain critical skills of reading and comprehension. Public–private partnerships such as the one between OUP India and the National Book Trust illustrate how institutions can partner in advocating for early childhood literacy in India. These initiatives ensure the child has the right to appropriate learning resources and help build a strong reading culture in underserved communities.

Skoobuzz acknowledges OUP India’s efforts, as it has proved what is possible when organisations watch over young learners. The government has the opportunity to build on that now and ensure the availability of reading for every child in India, for a lifetime of learning.

FAQs

1. What is the OUP India libraries initiative?

The OUP India libraries initiative is a literacy programme by Oxford University Press India, in partnership with the National Book Trust (NBT), to establish 100 libraries in Anganwadi centres in Uttar Pradesh. It aims to promote early childhood literacy in India and nurture a lifelong love for reading.

2. Why is early childhood literacy a pressing issue in India?

India has nearly 80 million children aged 3–6 years, yet many struggle with basic reading and comprehension skills. Reports such as ASER 2024 highlight that while preschool enrolment is rising, children in underserved communities often lack access to quality resources. This makes initiatives like the OUP project vital for bridging the literacy gap.

3. Where are the 100 libraries located?

The project covers 50 Anganwadi centre libraries in Lucknow and 50 in Gorakhpur, making it a major milestone in the Oxford University Press India outreach programme.

4. What kind of books are included in the Anganwadi centre libraries?

Each centre is equipped with nearly 350 curated books, including colourful picture books, materials on the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes, and storytelling. These resources are designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and embed reading into children’s daily routines.

5. How does the OUP and National Book Trust partnership support literacy?

The OUP and National Book Trust partnership combines publishing expertise with government outreach. Together, they provide underprivileged children with reading access and align with the goals of NEP 2020, which emphasises foundational learning and literacy.

6. How does this initiative benefit underprivileged children?

By creating vocational reading spaces for young learners, the project ensures that children in rural and underserved areas gain access to books and structured reading environments. This supports foundational learning through libraries and strengthens academic and social development.

7. How does the project align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020)?

The initiative directly supports NEP 2020, which prioritises literacy and numeracy in the early years. By embedding reading into everyday life, the project helps children develop essential skills that prepare them for lifelong learning.

8. What role do Anganwadi centres play in this project?

Anganwadi centres, part of India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), already provide early education, nutrition, and health services. With the addition of libraries, they now serve as community hubs for early childhood literacy, supporting both learning and wellbeing.

9. What is the wider impact of OUP’s 100 Anganwadi libraries?

The initiative reflects a broader commitment to building a reading culture in underserved communities. It strengthens AI literacy programmes in India, safeguards children’s rights to quality learning resources, and demonstrates Oxford University Press' social responsibility in education.

10. How can organisations or individuals support OUP India’s literacy programme?

Stakeholders can support the OUP India library initiative by collaborating on outreach projects, donating books, or funding literacy programmes. Such partnerships help expand access to reading and ensure sustainable impact in rural education.