Imphal May 8,
Even though in the global era where technology dominated in all spheres, readers who came to seek knowledge and learn from the State Central Library increased drastically in the past few years. But unfortunately, the condition of the Library is more like the garbage scattered in and around Imphal – an indication of negligence from the part of Government. Books at the State Central Library are fully covered with dust and properly piled up in an organize manner.
On an average, around 100 knowledge seekers, mostly students visit the Library. Earlier, not so many knowledge seekers utilized the benefit of Library, said a visitor at the Library while talking to Imphal Times.
The State Central Library is the main public library under the state government where many leaders, scholars, writers were produced. It is the hub of knowledge for the people of the state.
However, the Manipur State Library remains as one of the most neglected sector with just one Librarian. The present state of the Library required at least three librarians. Moreover, updated and newly released books are not available but the number of visitors increased as the reading hall is still a heaven for book lovers.
“Most of the visitors came to the library along with their own books either for preparing for various recruitment exams or for passion”, a staff said.
Talking to a reporter of Imphal Times one reader identified as Chinglemba said that they didn’t find many of the books they wanted and added that most of the books are outdated.
“The way the books are maintained is very unfortunate”, Chinglemba said.
All the books were covered with dust and dirt like being kept in an abandoned apartment and it is a clear sign of negligence, he added.
“People from other states and countries will surely looked down upon to the people of the state if they find out the way how the State Central Library treated the books which is the root for all kinds of development for the state”, Chinglemba said
Another reader named Ashnikumar said to Imphal Times that at times of examination there isn’t enough space for the readers as many came to read. He added that the outnumbered readers even read in the empty space outside the reading room. He further said that there was also some incident where there was lack of chairs for the readers but provided after complaining to the authority.
“I felt happy to see the number of readers increased everyday. It was such a good sign for the state where reading habits perpetually increase. Everyday new faces come up at the library”, he added.
He appealed the government to keep more updated books at the library and also to enable internet connection which will surely help the readers in gathering information in this age of technology.
After inspecting by Imphal Times reporter the capacity of seats for the readers of the library is around 150 only and the whole state library was maintained by only one librarian who is the chief librarian. In such library at least 3 librarians are necessary for proper management of the library. Not only that there isn’t any sweeper or cleaner who would maintain a clean environment and also to clean the precious books. The toilets for the library are also in an awful state.
Speaking to Imphal Times reporter Chief Librarian said that the lack of staffs is the main problem behind the improper maintenance.
He said that the number of readers increased drastically in the past few years and added that even seats were not enough during the examination season.
He further said that even though in this age of digital technology the significance of printed books cannot be dominated by the digital one. Printed books will still dominate in the long run even though various technologies come up, he added.
