Surge of Reading culture in Imphal: Rise of Reading rooms and Libraries

By – Merlyn Lamabam
Imphal, the capital of Manipur, has experienced a change in recent years; the emergence of reading venues such as book cafes, community libraries, and reading rooms enabling the city to connect, read, and learn. The cultural change inspires readers to investigate new facets of education and culture, which results in sustainable development. This new tendency is a reflection of a broader shift in the way people read, study and connect in the city, whether it is motivated by scholastic goals, a growing literary consciousness, or the need for secure, productive environment.
Manipur, despite being abundant in oral literature, tradition of storytelling, and also being a knowledge-sharing community, have remained limited in spaces for formal reading spaces, except for libraries at school and public libraries. Even these spaces are under resourced and are confined to limited hours with out-dated collections. All these hassle are not convenient for readers and aspirants who long to maximize their reading other than at mere convenience of home.
The post- COVID era reclaimed the activity of reading as public which is visible in the city. Imphal experienced a surge in spaces which prioritize books, learning and reflection; from small private reading rooms and subscription- based reading halls to community- run libraries and hybrid book cafes. Names like Dove Library, Hustle and Study Lounge are some of the reading spaces in the city gaining recognition as safe, comfortable and productive spaces for various readers.
This sudden growth is contributed by several factors. One of the major factors is the rising number of youth preparing for various competitive examinations such as NEET, UPSC, etc. For many, large membered families or economically disadvantaged, whose homes don’t provide a comfortable set up for rigorous study, these reading rooms allowed them privacy and a focused environment ideal for studying and learning. These spaces operate for long hours, with operating Wi-Fi and power backups for their convenience.
Another inspiring reason is the return of youths, who have been educated or employed in prominent cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, or Pune. During the pandemic, with many people coming back to their hometowns, they carry their experiences and hopes for urban infrastructure — which encompasses accessible reading and collaborative learning spaces. Inspired by libraries and book cafes in other cities, some have launched similar initiatives in Imphal.
These reading spaces operate on long opening hours, with internet access and charging ports which are available at convenience; providing safe, inclusive and clean spaces especially for students and women. They are not just functional and are not just study or reading halls but are sites of connectivity and creativity. Some reading rooms and book cafes (like Books & Coffee) organize weekly open mics, poetry readings, author meetups, writing workshops, etc.
The emergence of reading rooms is already producing concrete effects. Students are more focused and self-controlled; while parents are more assured that their children are in a safe and positive space. Some reading rooms have become casual learning hubs where exam students share notes and guide younger students. Women especially benefit from these spaces which are safer and more welcoming than crowded public areas. And then, there are the broader cultural implications. By promoting reading these spaces indirectly promote critical thinking, civic sense and emotional wellbeing – essential for a healthy democracy. They also rekindle interest in local literature and language, as more and more bookstores, book cafes and community libraries start to stock Meitei, Bengali and English works of Manipuri writers.
More and more reading rooms and libraries in Imphal mean a bigger cultural and educational shift happening in the city. These spaces are no longer just for studying — they are safe and quiet places where young people can focus discipline themselves and connect with a larger community of learners. For many especially students preparing for competitive exams or living in crowded homes, these reading spaces are a lifeline.
Beyond academic, this trend means a revival of Imphal’s literary spirit. Book cafes, community libraries and youth led reading rooms are creating a culture of creativity, reflection and civic engagement. They are redefining how the city uses public space — not just for consumption or commerce but for learning, dialogue and imagination.
As this quiet movement grows it has the potential to make Imphal, a more inclusive and a hopeful symbol of cultural revival and civic imagination. With the right support and wider accessibility reading rooms and libraries can be institutions, for not just the current generation of students, but for future readers, writers and thinkers of Manipur, with the potential of turning Imphal into a vibrant “City of Readers”.