Mangalore central library upgraded

Mangalore central library upgraded

Mangalore Today News Network

Photos: Prashanth Nayak

Mangalore, June 26, 2014:  Using the money thus collected, MCC has renovated the central library building adding more amenities.  The capacity of Mangalore Central Library has been doubled to 5,000 sq ft. The corporation has added one more floor to the structure to house books and the ground floor of 2,600 sq ft has been renovated with vitrified tiles replacing chipped and degraded red oxide flooring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The library now has a browsing section with six computers with high speed internet. Mangalore Central Library deputy director Raghavendra KV said, "The computers were donated by Rotary and Lions Clubs. This will help researchers and public to get additional material if the library does not suffice their browsing curiosity. Another highlight is a separate children’s section with a small play area."

"The browsing service is paid and may be charged at Rs 10 per hour. In time, a printer facility, will also be provided for those who want hard copies of the material," he added.

The central library, which was inaugurated on January 15, 1969, has 23,500 members. It has a collection of over 70000 books, 80% of which are Kannada. The members have to pay a one-time life time fee of Rs 100 and can borrow three books at a time for a fortnight without fine.

Raghavendra said, "We have spent Rs 11 lakh on the false ceiling of the first floor and Rs 18.75 lakh on the ground floor. We get about Rs 1 crore from the corporation with which we manage 20 libraries including the central library."

The library will acquire a brand new vehicle costing Rs 25 lakh for the mobile library. The mobile library operates five days a week from Tuesday to Saturday and covers Jeppu, Padil, Boloor, Urva Market, Konchady, Kunjathbail, Bondel and other places. It stops for an hour at designated spots. So, all you book worms and nerds, now you know where to go!