To boost English skills, libraries get top magazines

The Tamil Nadu Text Book and Educational Services Corporation, which was entrusted with the work, has allocated Rs 2 crore for this purpose.

A total of 34 magazines for 241 full-time branch libraries and 19 for 320 branch libraries have been prescribed for the students. Considering the use of library services by students and to inculcate reading activities, a special drive has been initiated by the Education Department to increase the enrolment of members. 

In Tamil Nadu, out of 4,603 public libraries, 1,753 function in their own buildings, 2,516 libraries in rent-free buildings, 320 in private rented buildings, while 14 are mobile libraries. A senior official said Rs 88.91 crore has been allotted to the Directorate of Public Libraries for the financial year 2017-18. 

In addition, the collections of the Anna Centenary Library went up by subscribing to national and international magazines and journals and by purchasing books in print as well as online with financial assistance from the Tamil Nadu Text Book and Educational Services Corporation. The government has also planned to continue free online registration for competitive examinations at the Connemara Library and the district central libraries.