KOCHI: Though a lot has been said and written about how the reading habit is on the ebb, the response to the campaign organised by the Ernakulam Public Library proves otherwise, going by the number of memberships obtained over the last three months.“After the campaign ended in December, the membership rose by 1,500,” said Ashok M Cheriyan, secretary of library. The campaign was launched in October. Before the campaign, the membership stood at 8,500 and now the library has 10,000 members. “The campaign was carried out by the library staff by visiting schools, colleges and other institutions and highlighting the importance of reading,” he said.Over the last one year, the facilities at the library have improved considerably. The reading rooms look more attractive and welcoming and the number of books on various subjects has increased.“There are 1.5 lakh books in various languages including Hindi, English, Malayalam, Sanskrit, Tamil, French and, Konkani and over 200 periodicals. General magazines are much sought after and every year, `7 lakh is spent on books,” Ashok added.There is a separate section for children, women, senior citizens and the public. They offer 20 news papers too. The library has extension centres at Bar Association Hall on the High Court premises.The response at High Court is good as advocates and the staff find it convenient. The centre at AKG Library in Chakkaraparamba, where books are offered for two hours every Thursday and Sunday, is also a hit.“Books are taken to these centres depending on the members’ need. More than 300 people have taken memberships at these centres and we are planning to open new centres at Palarivattom, Kaloor, and Kadavantra,” he said.The 141-year-old library is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m, on all days except public holidays. The library is all set to release a documentary on its history and milestones on January 29.
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