The Hindu 11.07.2009
Corpn. yet to open public library for want of books
Staff Reporter
– PHOTO: M. GOVARTHAN
Long wait: Erode Corporation is yet to throw open its Periyar Nagar library to the public.
ERODE: In Periyar Nagar here, Erode Corporation, with much publicity, announced the construction of a library.
Elected representatives of the civic body listed the facilities the public library would have. They talked about the books the library would have, special arrangements to help students prepare for competitive examinations, including civil services, and also the attached browsing centre.
The announcement attracted more than the desired publicity, what with the representatives keeping it by attracting politicians at regular intervals for inspection. However, neither the councillors nor Corporation officials have spoken about the library in the recent past.
The reason: since completion in March 2009 the Corporation has kept the library under lock and key for want of books. At present, at the Rs. 45 lakh worth facility, spread over 2,80 sq.ft., there is nothing much for the public.According to sources in the Erode Corporation, right after the completion of the construction, the civic body was engaged in the conduct of the general election and is now at the job.
The Corporation has written to the State library authority asking for the books to be purchased, particularly for competitive examinations. The sources also say that it is also in the process of writing to the Government asking for utilisation of the annual library cess towards purchase of books. Every year, the civic body pays the State Government Rs. 50 lakh.
The sources assure that the civic body will soon throw open to the public the library with browsing centre.