FLN brings together free libraries from India and South Asia that offer their members free of cost membership and access to reading materials and programs, knowledge resources and information.
We advocate for a free library movement that welcomes all people to the right to read.
Join us:
- To connect with other free libraries
- To share resources, curricula, best practices & field knowledge
- To generate data insights about free libraries in India
- To build political consciousness that underlies free-library praxis
- To coordinate and act in solidarity on matters of policy & issues related to access to knowledge resources
Note that FLN does not create, own or operate libraries but is a coalition of free libraries, librarians and library activists in India and South Asia.
Free Libraries Network-FLN is registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act No. XXI of 1860 as applicable to the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Free Libraries Network FLN is a member of IFLA - International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. It is one of only 10 Indian libraries/library associations to have this distinction and stands out amongst its fellow-members (which include The Parliament Library, Indian Library Association, IIT-Bombay and IISc etc.) as the only library organisation to represent India’s free, public-access, grassroots libraries.
FLN shares IFLA’s belief “in the public library as a living force for education, culture, inclusion and information, as an essential agent for sustainable development, and for individual fulfilment of peace and spiritual welfare through the minds of all individuals“ and hopes to build a global conversation on librarianship that includes the free libraries of India and South Asia.
Join FLN
Joining FLN is free and involves a quick two step-process. First, read and agree to the solidarity manifesto below and then submit your application form.
The Solidarity Manifesto
As a member of Free Libraries Network (India & South Asia) I attest to working to build, operate and propagate free libraries that welcome all without prejudice of caste, class, religion, gender & sexual identity or disability. Libraries associated with me/this organisation strive to create free access to books & grow readers, who may or may not have the means to do so themselves. I pledge to support FLN and its members by sharing knowledge resources, networking avenues & solidarity in issues related to advocacy or policy-building for the free library movement.
As a member of FLN (India & South Asia) I promise not to indulge in any behaviour that puts other members or their libraries at risk or makes them uncomfortable in any manner. I will maintain civility & a spirit of fellowship in all my interactions on behalf of & within the Network.
By submitting the application form for Free Libraries Network (India & South Asia), I am now a member of this network.
Application Forms
If you are applying on behalf of a free-library, please click here.
अगर आप फ्री-लाइब्रेरी (निशुल्क पुस्तकालय) की तरफ से फॉर्म भर रहे हैं तो यहाँ क्लिक करें |
If you don't currently run or work in a free-library but are a library expert, educator or facilitator, please click here.
अगर आप फ़िलहाल फ्री-लाइब्रेरी (निशुल्क पुस्तकालय) में कार्य नहीं करते हैं लेकिन लाइब्रेरी एक्सपर्ट, फैसिलिटेटर या लाइब्रेरी से जुड़े शिक्षक हैं तो यहाँ क्लिक करें |
FLN Resources
A member contributed list of resources to help curate and run free community libraries and associated activities. This is a growing list, please check back often for updates.
TCLN (former name of FLN) YouTube channel
Resource Sheet: Selecting, Curating and Acquiring Books For a Library (PDF)
'Reading Stars India' Library Readiness Program (PDF)
FLN & TCLP Library Practices & Read-aloud Resource Sheet
FLN Member Directory
The network currently has over 100 members (library organisations & individuals), with more joining each each week. A partial, but growing list of members is listed on this page.
Note: For privacy reasons, some members have not consented to have their information displayed on this website.