BANGALORE: Books enhances a person’s knowledge, while libraries encourages one to get involved in reading, as there is calm, peace and silence maintained in its surroundings. But libraries are not free of problems. One such library is the City Central Library in Jayanagar 5th Block, although well-maintained, but it lacks space.
The library has over 60,000 books belonging to different subjects and languages. Library Assistant Savitramma S N said that the library lacks space to accommodate new books. “We are provided with minimum 4,000 to maximum 5,000 books. In a year, we get 3-4 times more the number of books. So, we lack space to place the books in order, making it easier for the readers to pick it up,” she added. Savitramma also said that the same copies of books are listed out, and if there are new libraries coming up in the city then, those copies are supplied according to the instructions of the authorities.
“We have fewer copies of English novels and academic related books. But those are the books which are in demand and not supplied to our library. Readers also demand Kannada novelist, Byrappa’s novels but there are hardly any copies here.” The library is well-maintained with respect to cleanliness. As the library is located in a residential area and next to a park, where the� lush green environment provides a calm and peaceful ambience for the readers to involve themselves in reading. “Earlier, we had parking problems. But now the readers park their vehicles close to the park,” said she.
The library also lacks staff. This library has just a library in-charge and a cleaner, who is paid a voucher payment. “It is difficult to manage during those times when books are supplied to the library. Since I am the only person to look after the library, responsibility lies on me to list out the books, issue books to the readers and also keep track of the newspaper section. When I am on leave, the library has to be shut down,” she said.
Prakash M, a regular vistor of this library and also preparing for his CA examination said that he spends over three hours a day in this library. “There are books which are related to the basics of commerce subject and it is calm and quiet here,” he concluded.
