The dark rooms and unorganised bookshelves of a public library situated in the heart of Whitefield, East Bengaluru, are set to receive a facelift.
For the residents of Whitefield, it is a shrine of old and delightful books and magazines. Having a membership of around 700 people, the library witnesses an average footfall of about 30 people every day. Yet it is poorly maintained. “The library lacks proper drinking water facilities and lights. Even the books, magazines and papers are not properly arranged,” said a volunteer of the civic initiative Whitefield Rising. It was Whitefield Rising volunteers who brought the poor condition of the library, located in Whitefield Inner Circle Park, to the notice of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). They have helped to arrange some of the bookshelves.
“It got a makeover in 2016 thanks to the efforts of bibliophiles and volunteers. Whitefield Rising and the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor joined hands to give a facelift to the library. They received funds from the State Bank of India. The library could be further improved if the books tied up in gunny bags are arranged properly on the shelves and proper facilities are provided,” said Pravir Bagrodia, another volunteer.
The efforts of Whitefield Rising brought about a visit by C Parvathamma, Deputy Director (Libraries), BBMP, on Saturday. She promised that all necessary facilities will be provided.
Beginning with fixing the lights, she has promised that an RO water purifier will be provided soon for drinking water. “I will ensure that all genres of books are provided in the library. We will invite people to donate and sponsor these books. I will also deploy some staff to clear the mess on the floors,” she said.