Age-old books are preserved in air-conditioned cabins in the library. —DC
“A library of wisdom is more precious than all wealth, and all things that are desirable cannot be compared to it”, said writer Richard de Bury, centuries ago.
Travancore’s Maharaja Swati Thirunal knew there couldn’t be anything truer than this and entrusted the task of setting up a library to the then resident Edward Cadogan.
The Trivandrum People’s Library, that later became one of the first public libraries in India, was thus born in 1829.
Open to the public since 1898, the library stands active even in the age of digital books and e-papers, housing about 4 lakh books.
“People’s inclination to internet had slightly brought down the membership for a while. However, almost all of them came back in no time. Guess it’s the enchanting feel that only a library can give”, said P.Subrapha, state librarian who has been here for five years.
According to her, people come back as the library walks with the changing times. “We have a well-updated website with all the details.
Government gazettes are also digitised and preserved here now, in addition to subscribing to more magazines and journals,” she observed.
What’s most striking about the library is its Gothic-style architecture that took shape after 1900, on the orders of His Highness Sree Moolam Thirunal.
The ruler might have felt that the books of knowledge should be housed beautifully too. The construction style was chosen in commemoration of the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Heading the family of books is a translation published in 1569, titled A Righte Noble and Pleasant History of the Successors of Alexander surnamed The Great.
As per records, it’s written by ‘Wise Plutarch’ and translated from French to English by Thomas Stocker. Age-old books like these are preserved in air-conditioned cabins.
Along with the years, the library has improved its budget for books and journals. However, the library now faces the issues of space crunch and staff shortage.
“Funds were allotted to construct a heritage model building to store books. However, due to a recent case, no construction activities have been allowed on the premises as of now. This is a serious matter”, said Ms Suprabha.
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