Govt public library gets international recognition

ALLAHABAD: Internet boom notwithstanding, books yet remain a trendy fad with readers. This fact was aptly proved when the AllahabadGovernment Public Library - a perfect place for bibliophiles -- got a place in the directory ofEuropa World of Learning, 2013 edition.

Figures reveal that over 43,300 people in terms of readers had visited the library in the year 2012-13, while the figure of readers who visited the library in 2010-11 and 2011-12 was 33,000 and 41,500 respectively. Similarly, as many as 1,005 people had taken the membership in 2012 while the figure in 2010 and 2011 was 521 and 827 respectively. Librarian Gopal Mohan Shukla told TOI that "the charm of book reading has been increasing among masses. This is evident as the number of readers visiting the library is growing. He added: "Books are the only medium to seek complete or detailed knowledge."

Shukla added that the library currently has a collection of over 1.25 lakh books, including a rich collection of manuscripts and books in different languages including Hindi, Urdu, English and Bangla. Besides, 40 types of magazines and 28 newspapers join the public library everyday. The library has recently set up its website allahabadpublib.org and more than 1,500 visitors had clicked on it till date.

Shukla admitted that the charm of reading books is still alive as there are book lovers of all age groups who daily visit the public library to satiate their literary taste buds. Books of all subjects and streams are available under a common roof, attracting youngsters who spend quality hours in the company of books. The library, situated royally amidst the lush green environment of the historic Chandra Shekhar Azad Garden, is a treasure trove of knowledge and is the biggest library of the state.

Keeping in tune with modern times, the library has added books on newer subjects, keeping in view the need of the readers. It is the oldest library in the city and was established in 1864. The library building is noted for its remarkable Gothic architecture.

It has a collection of old government publications, parliamentary papers, and blue books of the 19th century, old manuscripts, journals. The prized possession of the library are the manuscripts of Shahnama in Persian written by Firdausi, Upanishada translated by Dara Shikoh, son of Mughal empreror Shajahan and Raghuvansh Tika written in Sanskrit. The library is making efforts to preserve its rich manuscripts. It has 21 Arbaic manuscripts, including Harkat-ul-Lughat complied by Habibullah, Alqtubun Nahri.

The library also has collection of several newspapers of the country. Copies of the government gazettes are also here. Many prominent leader of the country like Motilal Nehru, Madan MohanMalviya, CY Chintamani, Jawaharlal Nehru and GB Pant were the members of the library. "Around 20% of readers don't put their entries while visiting the library and spend hours reading books," said an official adding, "the library is the perfect place for the bibliophiles."

A group of youngsters preparing for competitive and civil service exams also regularly visits the library. Piyush Srivastava, a visitor, said: "It's an ideal place to update our knowledge on every subject".Books on all subjects and stream are available for students who have made it a habit of visiting the library and spending three to four hours to gain knowledge."

Shukla informed that the annual fee for reading the books has been reduced and now fixed at Rs 25. There is also an internet facility for those who seek it. The library is being run by a managing committee whose chairman is the divisional commissioner.

Source: Times of India, 12 June 2013