Government libraries exceed expectations, draw in 4 lakh new members this year

Amid the hustle-bustle of kindle, e-books and books available for sale and rent online, many predicted a slow decay for public libraries. After all, how many people have the time to visit libraries to collect and return books?

The answer is 72.88 lakh, after discounting the 8.5 crore people who visit public libraries across the state for temporary fixes. Also, contrary to the perception that libraries have been losing members, those in TN have been gaining them. In fact, this year they gained 4 lakh new members.

But what’s attracting people to these libraries? How about palm leaf manuscripts of ancient texts or decades old titles of Panchatantra or even copies of the 1608 edition of the Bible? That’s not all. Several district central libraries also have the 1801, the 1881 Census of India, copies of 

Flora Indica by Nicolai Laurentii Burmanni which was originally published in 1768. Other rare books among the libraries’ collection include.

 A Voyage to Suratt in the Year 1689 by John Ovington, a German copy of the play Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare and A Grammar of the High Dialect of the Tamil Language by Beschi Costantino Giuseppe which was published in 1822.

And for those interested in recent developments in science and technology and literature, these libraries keep updating their collection on scientific journals and critically acclaimed works of both fiction and non-fiction. There’s something for every book lover within these walls. Add to it the peaceful ambience, away from ringing of phones, chattering of friends, family and bystanders.

Also, the government recently subscribed to latest English magazines in rural public libraries so that students there can improve their language skills.

Furthermore, 61 leading magazines across all interests have been subscribed for 32 district central libraries, 34 magazines for 241 full-time branch libraries and 19 magazines for 320 branch libraries. 

For senior citizens, books on religion and astrology were given priority. Meanwhile, the city libraries welcomed new arrivals mostly from noted writers like Jayakanthan and Vikraman. A variety of books on academic and comics too have been brought in for the benefit of school students.

There are 4,000 public libraries in Tamil Nadu and according to government figures, people’s enthusiasm in using the library’s resources have only increased in the recent years.

Last year, 6.46 crore books in libraries across the state were used by the members. The number rose to 8.79 crore this year.

DT Next spoke to a few stakeholders and they said that public libraries are the only institution that adequately caters to the need of people’s educational, cultural and informational needs. In the era of information explosion, these libraries play a critical role in keeping the public informed of fast changes that are taking place world over. Their tranquil environment promotes reading habits and offer a solution to the users’ changing information needs at a minimal price.

The focus has been to promote reading habits and lifelong learning. Recognising the critical importance of the services rendered by the public libraries, these institutions have to expand horizons to stay relevant to users’ changing needs and interests of the maximum populace at a minimal cost.

A regular visitor and member of the public library located at Anna Salai, 35-year-old P Gnanavel, says that he has been frequenting the library during weekends for 15 years. The bookworm fancies fiction and had even asked the authorities to add some mystery novels to their collection and to his surprise, they relented.

Elated with the outcome, the accountant of a private company said, “I have also suggested them to bring in more books and magazines on sports.”

Another frequent visitor to the library, management student P Sangeetha, said that she borrows not only books to help with her studies but also those related to her hobby – cooking.

“The libraries have become computerised which helps people access the books easily,” said Sangeetha.

For senior citizen and astrologer Ramamurthy, trips to the library are what keeps him in tune with the times. “they also have the latest versions of Tamil traditional calendar Panchangam which helps me update my consultations with my clients,” he said. For a person who performs “Ganapathy Omam” and “Veda”, Ramamurthy said that he found books in the library which helped him understand the rituals better.

A senior staff from the Directorate of Public Libraries said that it is the selection committee comprising mostly academicians who make the final call about the books the libraries purchase. They take into consideration suggestions from members.

“If the suggestion is interesting, the committee will approve it and the book or periodical will be bought,” the official said. The new arrivals also depend on the status of the library fund. 

L Shanmugam, attached to the directorate, said usually, 25 per cent of the library’s funds are earmarked for books and 6.5 per cent is reserved for periodicals. In addition to that, with the assistance of Raja Ram Mohun Roy Library Foundation, books worth Rs 3 crore are procured every year.

She added that library cess was raised to 10 paise per rupee a few years ago to meet the increasing demands of the local library authorities. 

Libraries depend on cess for procuring books, newspapers, periodicals, magazines, set up information communication technologies infrastructure, basic infrastructure facilities, construction of new buildings and their maintenance, digitalising ancient, old and rare books, among others. Shanmugam said this year Rs 138.24 crore was collected as library cess.

Realising the importance of automation, computerisation of public libraries has been taken up on priority. All the 32 district central libraries, 191 full time branch libraries and 217 libraries functioning in rural areas have access to internet. Apart from this, 123 libraries have also been equipped with computers.

In the last couple of years, about two lakh students across the state, including 50,000 in Chennai, have enrolled for membership under the school library programme, said a senior staff of Chennai District Library. 

He said that public libraries, which come under School Education Department, has improved a lot in five years.

The official said that special drives were organised to encourage people to use the library and to become regular library readers to enhance their knowledge. As a result, the libraries have gained 74,28,694 in a few years. Those interested in becoming a patron will have to donate Rs 1,000 to the library. With Rs 5,000 one can become a great donor and by donating Rs 10,000 they can become a donor.

So far, public libraries have 1,17,278 patrons, 869 as great patrons and 328 donors of the library. Together they contributed Rs 1,249.03 lakh. The money is deposited in fixed deposits and the annual interest is utilised to strengthen libraries.

Apart from school and college students, sources from the libraries said that those preparing for civil service examinations use the library the most. The aspirants get access to the required study materials -- which otherwise costs a lot – form study groups and get to interact with other groups at civil services study circles set up at 285 libraries. 

Online submission of application forms to jobs in government has been facilitated in Connemara Public Library and the district central libraries so that aspirants can apply for it free of cost.  

Rs 32 lakh have been spent at each of the district central libraries to improve their facilities. Also, to motivate and encourage collective initiatives that enrich knowledge management in libraries, a “Shield of Honour” is conferred on the libraries for the first time this academic year. 

The award is given to the library that takes special initiatives on increasing the enrolment of members, patrons and receiving donations, helps students in making the best use of the available facilities.