Chandigarh, 29.09.26-: Bringing recognition to Chandigarh’s public library movement on the international stage, Dr. Neeza Singh, Librarian, T.S. Central State Library, Chandigarh and Secretary, IFLA Metropolitan Libraries Section, played a significant leadership role at the IFLA World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) 2026 held in South Korea.

The inaugural day of WLIC 2026 featured the opening ceremony, award presentations, inauguration of the exhibition area and a wide range of professional sessions. Among the highlights was the IFLA/James Bennett Public Library of the Year Award (PLOTY), for which the Metropolitan Libraries Section is a partner.

Dr. Singh subsequently moderated the session “Transforming the Information Landscape: Community Partnerships in Local History in the Digital Age,” jointly organised by the Metropolitan Libraries Section and the Local History and Genealogy Section. The session explored the importance of community partnerships in documenting, preserving and making local history accessible in the digital age.

She also organised and moderated another WLIC session, “Communicating Impact Through Library Assessment,” a Learning Zone session conducted in partnership with the Statistics & Evaluation Section. The session highlighted the importance of demonstrating the value and impact of libraries through meaningful assessment and effective communication with stakeholders and communities.

During the Congress, Dr. Singh also attended the IFLA President’s Session, plenary keynote sessions, Library Marketing Awards, Green Library Awards and a session on “Rethinking Reference in the AI Era.” These engagements provided opportunities to learn about emerging global trends and share perspectives with colleagues from different countries.

An important networking highlight was the “Asia Library Gathering”, hosted by the Korean Librarians Association at the ASEAN Culture House in Busan on August 12. The occasion was particularly special for Dr. Singh as it coincided with National Librarians’ Day in India, providing an opportunity to connect with librarians and library leaders from across Asia.

The visit to South Korea also offered opportunities to experience the country’s rich cultural landscape. Dr. Singh explored Seoul, including a city tour and a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), experienced the vibrant Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan and visited the beautiful Songdo area of Incheon.

Dr. Singh’s participation at WLIC 2026 is significant not only for her professional journey but also for Chandigarh’s public library sector. Through her work at T.S. Central State Library, she has been associated with initiatives aimed at taking library services beyond traditional boundaries through community outreach, reading promotion, digital literacy, children’s programmes and engagement with diverse and underserved communities.

Her leadership role in IFLA provides an international platform to share experiences from Chandigarh while bringing global perspectives and innovative practices back to the city’s public library ecosystem. The themes she engaged with during the Congress—social connections, community partnerships, digital transformation, library assessment, inclusion and the changing role of libraries—are increasingly central to the future of public libraries.

The South Korea visit thus became a significant professional milestone for Dr. Singh, combining international leadership, knowledge exchange, collaboration and cultural learning, while strengthening the visibility of Chandigarh’s public library initiatives on the global library map.