District library at Mansa, a library without newspapers
Have you ever been to a library with no subscription of newspapers of its own? Welcome to the district library of Mansa in the judicial complex, which not subscribed to newspapers for the past two months, thanks to the pending bills.
Have you ever been to a library with no subscription of newspapers of its own? Welcome to the district library of Mansa in the judicial complex, which not subscribed to newspapers for the past two months, thanks to the pending bills.
Indrapal Kaur, professor of English in Nehru Memorial College, who holds additional charge as librarian of the library, said, "I was given the charge of this library almost two years ago. However, the library could not clear the bills for the newspapers and magazines. So, I have decided to donate my personal newspapers to the library. I have spoken regarding this to the senior authorities concerned and hope the issue will be resolved soon."
The professor revealed that the library received a sum of nearly Rs 3,000 for the provision of drinking water in the premises, which, however, remains unutilised and this money is normally returned to the governemnt. When asked why the same money can't be utilised for adjusting the bills for newspapers, the professor expressed helplessness. "I don't think we can do this as money granted for a specific purpose should be spent for the same."
One of the library members said that the safe upkeep of books is also a matter of concern. "Issuance of the books is also a major issue as people from far-flung rural areas take the books and would never return. We cannot run after everyone." Permanent membership charges are also reported to be normally high in the comparatively backward district. "The permanent membership charges are around Rs 500, which dissuade people from joining the library," said Prem Masih, a reader.
The district administration, which holds a meeting almost every week, has no clue about the issues concerning the library. The library in-charge also said that there has been no meeting with senior district officials regarding the issues plaguing this library. "I have conducted a meeting with the library in-charge. I will try to resolve the issue as soon as possible," said deputy commissioner Pravin Kumar Thind.