Valapattanam Grama Panchayat Library: A Symphony of Relief from a Small Community Library

Valapattanam Grama Panchayat Library, nestled in a small village in the Indian state of Kerala with a population of just 8,000, recently organised a medical camp to screen for hearing impairments. This initiative coincided with India’s Diwali festival on October 31, 2024, a celebration of lights. While the festival marked the illumination of homes, the library sought to illuminate lives by addressing hearing health.

Sixty individuals sought medical attention at the camp, which was organised in collaboration with Thanal, a significant organisation in health, and Kudumbashree, a women’s collective. This initiative received positive feedback from participants with many expressing happiness at being able to get an audiometry test done for free, which usually costs between 500 to 700 Indian Rupees. One of the mothers also commented that through this initiative, she was able to get her child checked and the problems identified. Another participant commented that the library has become a centre of solace for the community, with the organisation of such health screenings. Among those participated in the screening, 21 were senior citizens and 10 were children.

A notice about the hearing screening camp was circulated to the community 1 week in advance through the library’s social media groups and volunteers. Registrations were also conducted for those interested. However, on the day of screening, more people attended the event than originally registered. It was decided out of compassion to screen everyone who had come. This was not the first time the library had undertaken such health initiatives. Early intervention on identifying disabilities and learning difficulties at an early age were conducted in collaboration with the organisation, Thanal in July 2024. The library had also conducted an extensive health discussion in collaboration with Aster MIMS hospital on the topic of physical problems and sudden deaths post–Covid.

Overseen by a 13-member governing body, with the Panchayat President, P.P. Shameema, also serving as the library’s president, and a single librarian, Binoy Mathew, the library operates under the local self-government. The library has five forums catering to different age groups and interests: children, youth, women, senior citizens, and a general reading group. A dedicated team of volunteers, alongside the librarian, ensures the smooth functioning of the community library’s activities. The hearing screening camp was the tenth programme of the year initiated by the library’s women’s forum.

All participants in the camp, expressed their gratitude to library for the free hearing test. Originally planned as a half-day event, the camp was extended due to the overwhelming turnout. Samyuktha, an audiologist and Varsha, coordinator from the Thanal medical team, noted that this was their most attended camp recently. Half of the participants in the screening needed follow-up treatments and a small number required support with medical devices. They said those findings were the main outcome of the camp.

The library’s women’s forum, under the leadership of President A.T. Shameema and Secretary B.V. Salmath, is committed to improving the physical, mental, and social health of the community, especially women. They have partnered with the local family health center for continuous health awareness programs. The library also organizes a monthly gathering for senior citizens. During which, doctors and health workers from the Family Health Center of the Local Body will conduct basic clinical examinations for blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels for the participants. This activity has been ongoing at the library for a long time.

These library initiatives play a significant role in guiding the community to achieve one major UN SDG – the third goal ‘Good Health and Well-being’.  The library has also succeeded in forming strong partnerships with organisations and institutions.

In essence, the Valapattanam Grama Panchayat Library has transformed into a community hub, going beyond the traditional role of lending books. By organising health camps and other initiatives, it is making a significant impact on the lives of its community members.

Contributed by Binoy Mathew, Librarian and Cultural Coordinator, Valapattanam GP Library