A library in dire straits

BANGALORE: Many libraries in the city are not free of problems. Likewise, City Central Library in Banashankari 2nd stage lacks basic amenities like cleanliness and maintenance problem.Like many other libraries in the city, this library too lacks space. “We have been complaining about the space constraint to the authorities but practically the library cannot be shifted. This is because; if the library is shifted then the building has to be rented which is impractical in the present situation,” said B S Nagaraj, Library Incharge.Books are seen stacked and strewn in the book shelves making it difficult for the readers to choose books of their choice. There are over 100-150 readers who visit this library regularly. Books belonging to English, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu are available here. But it is mostly Kannada books that are seen stacked in almost all book shelves. Nagaraj said, “There is a great demand for English novels but it is always Kannada plays and poetry books we are supplied with. I have not issued some of these books since the time it was arranged in book shelves.” Readers are not satisfied with the books available in the library. Those who look for academic books or any English novels would be disappointed. Vasanth Kumar who is a regular visitor of the library said, “I have been visiting this library for last 10 years. There are certain books which readers demand and are not updated in this library. We have also requested the authorities to update the library with English novels but in vain.”