Belthangady taluk library functioning in a dilapidated building

Belthangady: The public library of the taluk which has been attracting book readers since several decades is now causing fear amongst the readers here as the building has reached a dangerous dilapidated condition.

Readers have daily depended on the treasure of knowledge here. On one side, the building’s roof and walls have suffered cracks and it is a scary situation to sit and read anything within the building which is over 50 years old. The taluk library has over 40,000 books and around 2,500 members.

Book collection worth Rs 57,000

The library attracts readers daily. There are close to 40k books by various renowned authors here, besides 10 different daily newspapers and 37 monthly magazines are also available here. But due to the condition of the library building, the number of readers is dropping.

Building with cracks

The roof of the library which has withstood several decades is covered with a tarpaulin to prevent seepage. However, during heavy rains, the books within the library end up drenched. The rear wall of the building has suffered cracks and is posing a threat. Hence, the concerned people must take notice of the situation and must either relocate the books or create a new building before the library collapses on itself.

Building surrounded by outgrowth

The rear of the building has outgrowths and creepers are dangling from the roof. The area is surrounded by garbage, a well in the vicinity is filled with empty alcohol bottles and hence altogether, the environment is providing an uneasy feeling to the readers here.

Demand to change furniture

The furniture bearing the load of 40,000 books have started rusting due to the rain water dripping on to them. Although the readers here have been requesting daily to provide a new rack for the books, the concerned officials have only chosen to ignore the pleas.

There are huge trees behind the building and monkeys have damaged the roof. If the branches of the trees are not cut, there is fear that the branch might fall on to the building during a thunderstorm and level the library.

Sanctioned Rs 50 lakh missing

Around three years back, representatives of the people promised during library week campaign programme that land had been reserved for the library near the town municipality, Rs 50 lakh had been sanctioned for the construction of the building  and the work would begin soon. But the question is where has the sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the said project disappeared to?

MLA’s assurance

Already an appeal has been made with the MLA to provide plot for the library building and the MLA has assured to identify a plot for the same. Then it will be convenient to submit the estimation for procuring the grant. Since there is no income from the library, there is a hesitation to provide space for the library in government buildings as well, which is a problem. New furniture will be provided to maintain the books – Mamata Rai, Acting Library Officer

Attempt for approval

The proposal for the construction of the building has been sent to the concerned people. Attempts will be made to pressurize the minister to sanction the land and funding – MLA Harish Punja