During early 90’s one of my friend Mr Hari, introduced me to this library. I was attracted to this dim lit library by the good collection of English fiction books.
Years passed, my interest in Library too waned. I remember going to Trivandrum Public Library with my Dad’s card. Even that is long forgotten.
Now after a decade, I’m visiting these walls and memories. The walls inside the library appears more greyed, and on the wall hangs few picture. Even that has aged. I could only see old men reading newspapers with dedicated. And the absence of young generation shows of things to come.
After visiting this library, I feel compelled to write about this rustic place. Lack of growth, low energy and the absence of young people. Few old timers were sitting in the main hall reading news papers. But, where are the young people. Will this sustain this library? Is it not time for a revival of interest?
If I’m not wrong, similar fate awaits thousands of libraries in Kerala. What can you and me do about the decline of reading, borrowing books and increase visits to libraries. How can they compete in this Internet era, where Wikipedia has overtaken Britanica.
I feel library is just not about books, it’s should be more than that. So, what can it do in this era of mobile training, learning and reading.
I’m just waiting for ideas or comments. ..