The Shared Shelf is an all-day participatory event for librarians, educators, authors, illustrators, children’s book publishers, caregivers, and community practitioners who see libraries as spaces of dignity, access, and possibility.
Through conversations and hands-on workshops, the day will explore how ideas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are practised in real, everyday library contexts. This is not about perfect answers, but about asking better questions together.

Why Shared Shelf Matters?

Many children, especially from under-resourced backgrounds, have never had the opportunity to find themselves in stories or experience the magic of getting lost in a good book. Libraries can change that — but only if they are welcoming, vibrant spaces led by librarians who make the experience meaningful for every child. The programme features an experienced and diverse group of facilitators working at the intersection of libraries, children’s literature, disability inclusion, community learning, narrative practice, and independent bookselling including:

1. Smt. Uma Mahadevan Dasgupta – Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Karnataka.
2. Namita Susan Jacob – Program Director, Chetana Charitable Trust
3. Jatin Lalit Singh – Director, Free Libraries Network & CEO Aruna Mithlesh Foundation
4. Menaka Raman – Author
5. Dr. Raviraj Shetty – Narrative Practices India Collective
6. Barkha Sharda – That Book Store
7. Aparna Sree Prakash – Co-ordinator Inclusive Services, Chetana Charitable Trust
8. Teresa Antony – Lead: Inclusive Design, Chetana Charitable Trust

RSVP Here!