Library visitors on the rise
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2011: In a significant development number of book readers who visit State Central Library is informed to be increasing substantially with many of the visitors said to have interest in books donated by anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Chanu Sharmila.

Speaking to the Sangai Express at her office, Librarian S Tampakleima Devi said after the Circulation Section of the Library was thrown open to the public on November 10, 2010 number of enthusiastic readers arriving to scan the books have recorded a healthy rate.

Informing that among the regular visitors many prefer books donated by Sharmila being stacked at the Reference Section, Tampakleima said about 200 books on varied issues have been provided the Library by the human rights advocate.

Young readers scouring through the books at the State Library

Recounting that State Central Library was established in 1958 under the aegis of Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation and shifted to the present location after the old complex adjacent to raj Bhavan was devastated by fire in 2007, she conceded that lack of adequate space in the initial period of shifting caused inconveniences not only to the public readers but also the Library staff.

However, the problem has eased to a significant extent after construction of additional structures and subsequent setting up circulation section, technical section etc, as well as separate room for readers, the Librarian expressed.

She further confided that number of Borrower Card holders have touched the 636 mark and these individuals not only utilise facilities provided by the Library but also take home book(s) of their choice, which is permissible for a 15-day period.

Stating that relevant process in underway to distribute literary works of local authors to 130 youth clubs from June first week onward with an aim to promote and inculcate book reading habits among the masses, the Librarian also informed that efforts are on to expand facilities with the addition of separate rooms for senior, children and women readers.

Highlighting that there is need for increasing number of employees to extent assistance to the public readers, she said out of the present strength of 28 staff, only 15 of them are regular employees.

Maintaining that periodical hosting of book fairs at the Library premises is an opportunity to increase number of books, Tampakleima confided that 90 percent of the fund provision for purchase of books is provided by the Raja Ram Mohan Roy Foundation with 10 percent provided by the State Govt.Calling upon the readers to visit the Library as there are sufficient number of books on varied issues, she said books related to competitive examination references/guides and general studies are being updated on a regular basis.