Community Library Kigwema: Reviving the Culture of Reading in Nagaland
Nestled in the scenic hills of Nagaland, around 15 kilometres from Kohima, lies the village of Kigwema, home to one of Northeast India’s most inspiring grassroots literacy initiatives, the Community Library Kigwema. What started as a small self-funded effort by two brothers has grown into a meaningful example of community learning, trust, and cultural revival.
The library was established in July 2021 by brothers Akho Phira and Thepfukelie Phira. Both passionate readers, they became concerned about the declining reading habits among young people, especially with the increasing influence of smartphones and digital entertainment. Their vision was simple but impactful: to create a free and open community library where anyone could access books, borrow them, and return them without restrictions.
Located at Nepi Tsekhwe in Merama Khel, the library occupies a culturally important outdoor space in Kigwema village. Traditionally, this area served as a gathering place for discussions and social interaction among the Angami Naga community. By turning this historic site into a public reading space, the founders successfully connected the modern goal of literacy with traditional values of community engagement and shared learning.
One of the library’s most distinctive features is its trust-based system. There are no locks, membership requirements, or strict borrowing rules. Visitors are free to take books, read them at their convenience, and return them later. This approach reflects the belief that knowledge should remain accessible and that communities become stronger through trust and responsibility. The model has also encouraged honesty and ownership among users, making the library a shared space maintained collectively by the community itself.
The initiative began with books from the founders’ personal collections and donations from friends. Over time, support arrived from individuals, organisations, government departments, and book donors across India, including cities such as Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and regions like Assam. As a result, the collection expanded to more than 600 books, including fiction, academic texts, newspapers, children’s literature, and research materials.
Today, the library functions as more than just a reading space. It has become an informal learning centre where students access educational resources, young people study and conduct research, and older residents gather to read newspapers and exchange ideas. The founders also introduced newspapers and informational materials to encourage broader awareness and regular reading habits. The open setting and welcoming environment have helped create stronger social connections among residents across different age groups.
The impact of the initiative has extended beyond Kigwema, inspiring similar community libraries in nearby areas, especially in Phek district. In 2025, the project marked another milestone with the launch of its third library shelf in collaboration with the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland. This achievement further strengthened recognition of the library as an innovative model for rural literacy development.
The story of Community Library Kigwema demonstrates how small community-led efforts can create lasting change. In an increasingly digital world, it stands as a powerful reminder of the value of reading, collective responsibility, and lifelong learning. Today, the initiative continues to inspire young readers and proves that meaningful transformation can begin with a few books, a shared vision, and the willingness of a community to grow together.
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| Community Library Kigwema; image source: Google |
The library was established in July 2021 by brothers Akho Phira and Thepfukelie Phira. Both passionate readers, they became concerned about the declining reading habits among young people, especially with the increasing influence of smartphones and digital entertainment. Their vision was simple but impactful: to create a free and open community library where anyone could access books, borrow them, and return them without restrictions.
Located at Nepi Tsekhwe in Merama Khel, the library occupies a culturally important outdoor space in Kigwema village. Traditionally, this area served as a gathering place for discussions and social interaction among the Angami Naga community. By turning this historic site into a public reading space, the founders successfully connected the modern goal of literacy with traditional values of community engagement and shared learning.
One of the library’s most distinctive features is its trust-based system. There are no locks, membership requirements, or strict borrowing rules. Visitors are free to take books, read them at their convenience, and return them later. This approach reflects the belief that knowledge should remain accessible and that communities become stronger through trust and responsibility. The model has also encouraged honesty and ownership among users, making the library a shared space maintained collectively by the community itself.
The initiative began with books from the founders’ personal collections and donations from friends. Over time, support arrived from individuals, organisations, government departments, and book donors across India, including cities such as Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and regions like Assam. As a result, the collection expanded to more than 600 books, including fiction, academic texts, newspapers, children’s literature, and research materials.
Today, the library functions as more than just a reading space. It has become an informal learning centre where students access educational resources, young people study and conduct research, and older residents gather to read newspapers and exchange ideas. The founders also introduced newspapers and informational materials to encourage broader awareness and regular reading habits. The open setting and welcoming environment have helped create stronger social connections among residents across different age groups.
 |
| Community Library Kigwema; image source: Google |
The impact of the initiative has extended beyond Kigwema, inspiring similar community libraries in nearby areas, especially in Phek district. In 2025, the project marked another milestone with the launch of its third library shelf in collaboration with the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland. This achievement further strengthened recognition of the library as an innovative model for rural literacy development.
The story of Community Library Kigwema demonstrates how small community-led efforts can create lasting change. In an increasingly digital world, it stands as a powerful reminder of the value of reading, collective responsibility, and lifelong learning. Today, the initiative continues to inspire young readers and proves that meaningful transformation can begin with a few books, a shared vision, and the willingness of a community to grow together.
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