Kollam public library sings a different success tune

KOLLAM: As many traditional libraries die a slow death in the era of internet, Kollam public library is attracting more youngsters, especially those who are looking for a government job. 

Youngsters sitting in small groups and poring over study material is a common sight on the sprawling library campus. The success of thousands of its members in securing government jobs over a period of time stands testimony to the success of such groups. 

As the knowledge sharing sessions under the shades of large thickets grew in numbers, those who secured government jobs as a result of such combined efforts have decided to help the newcomers. 

"Three years ago we started a collective named Jubilant, to help the newcomers by providing them with books and magazines," says R B Vinod, secretary of Jubilant. "Now the collective has more than 200 members; all government servants. We donate the learning materials to the library to help the youngsters who are preparing for exams and interviews," he said. 

The collective has been contributing books worth lakhs to the library for the past two years. This year too, they have contributed books worth Rs 50,000 to the library. The Jubilant also plans to contribute modern reading aids like Kindle and other such devices to the library in the near future. 

According to Vinod, even students from outside the district visit the library regularly and take part in the learning sessions. 

"It is mostly students from financially poor backgrounds, who are unable to afford huge fees at coaching centers, depends on the library. Mission of this collective is to give a helping hand in the further development of the library and making the members available with all the modern resources," he said. 

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