St Joseph’s College Devagiri Library: A door to the future
This week we hear from the St Joseph’s College Devagiri Library in Kozhikode, India:
On a scenic hill known as ‘Devagiri’ (‘Hill of God’) stands the St Joseph’s College Devagiri Library. First established in 1956 with a new building inaugurated in 1977 and reimagined by Karan J Fraanc of Elansa Design Studio in 2024, the library is one of the largest college libraries in the state. In order to facilitate intellectual exchange, study, and leisure, the library boasts landscaped courtyards, over 72,000 books and large glass walls to allow in natural light.
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
Each floor has been named after an ancient library, including Nalanda, Alexandria, Pergamon and Constantinople and a two-storey book tower called the Light House invites students to sit and read. Special areas named Gandhi Square, Chavara Square, and Scripture Square are dedicated to showcasing the works of the Father of the Nation, Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara, and religious and spiritual texts, respectively. The library introduced facilities dedicated to research such as cubicles, discussion areas and seminar halls.
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
‘As an arts and science college, the library serves students and the local community, providing valuable resources and support,’ said Boby Jose, the principal of St Joseph’s College Devagiri. ‘Therefore, staff, teachers and students were always part of our user community.’
This is especially crucial for an academic library, and the library works to foster a welcoming environment through ambiance and thoughtful design.
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
Accessibility and inclusivity are key, and facilities include special access labs for disabled students, gender-neutral washrooms and biometric entry systems. Reading materials in various languages and formats are available, including fiction and non-fiction, syllabus-oriented books, and reference books.
The library also offers access to digital resources, such as e books, digital newspapers, e-journals, N-List and D-Space, with Web Opac services for real-time book availability. Non-members are able to access the library with staff guidance.
The library has also introduced the Human Library (Upanisad) – an interactive platform that provides students with the opportunity to engage with experts and authors, fostering meaningful conversations and learning.
With eco-friendly zones and green reading spaces dotted throughout the building, the library connects visitors to the natural environment.
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
To support their community, the library solicits community input through suggestions and informal discussions. To maximise their budget, they constantly review and evaluate collection items based on condition, quality, how frequently they are checked out and their relevance to current requirements.
The library also focuses on inclusive and inviting programming. A very successful event was the inauguration of the renovated library and an accompanying Literature Week. Author and congress MP Shashi Tharoor spoke at the inauguration, urging students to read to let ideas ferment in their minds. Tharoor stated that students should see books as ‘doors to the future, as sources of pleasure and joy […] There is only one formula to let the ideas ferment in your mind, you must read. If you read, you will acquire new words, new information. Reading is indispensable.’
Writers are also a big part of the library’s community. The Writers’ Cabin is meant for both new and well-known writers. It is a space where they can sit and write peacefully.
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
‘Recently, we hosted a Writer’s Meet-up featuring alumni authors who generously donated their latest works to our library,’ said Jose. ‘We continually welcome books from local authors; even self-published works are considered if they adhere to basic standards. We have a Readers’ Club where members, including librarians, assistant librarians, students and teachers typically organise book discussions and presentations. We also invite them to conduct talks, allowing emerging authors to display and present their work, engage with other writers and participate in constructive discussions.’
Inside St. Joseph’s College Devagiri Library
Promoting a love of learning and reading is core to the library’s approach. Jose has four key lessons to share. First, it is important to maintain a fresh perspective when it comes to collections and prioritise community engagement. Second, ‘engaging non-readers is where libraries can truly innovate’. Third, libraries can be huge supporters of emerging writers. Finally, it is important to offer a range of programs not just for library patrons, but to also connect with individuals who aren’t current library users. Implementing these four key lessons has led to Devagiri Library as a place for more than just reading – but as a place for meeting, exchange and imagination.
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