The dilapidated old red building was first thrown open for the public in 1972. It went on to witness the booming industrialisation and heavy economic investment in the area.
Gurugram’s only public library has not received a new book for years, and the ones that are available are acting as food for termites. Only 34 people can sit inside the reading room at a time.
The dilapidated old red building was first thrown open for the public in 1972. It went on to witness the booming industrialisation and heavy economic investment in the area. Then a new two-storey building adjacent to the old one was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manoharlal Khattar on January 11. It is, however, still waiting for the basic furniture and electric supply. The library has no computer.
“Only 34 students can sit in the reading room. The rest study on the benches outside. God knows what will they do in summers,” said a retired Delhi University Librarian, who has now taken the responsibility of issuing books to students here. “If you don’t reach by 8.30 am, you have to sit outside,” said Praveen Kumar, a frequent visitor.
Three staffers, including a temporary retired librarian, was provided to the library by the Sheetla Devi Mata Trust, a body that looks after the popular Sheetla Devi Mandir in the city. The only librarian assigned by the government, Khoob Ram, was not present when DNA visited the place.
“He is a very busy man. He looks after three different libraries in a week. He can devote only two days here,” said Anil Kumar, the Sheetla Mata Mandir trust restorer at the library. Khoob Ram also takes care of libraries of the Government College in Hilimandi, Pataudi, and Government Girls College in Sector 14.
When queried, Deputy Commisoner Hardeep Singh said: “Instructions have been issued to the Education Department to take over the building immediately, as per rules.”
Vatsal Kumar, CEO of Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine Board, said: “It has been ordered that the library be equipped with the best facilities, including an e-library. The district librarian has been instructed to prepare an estimate of what all is required, in terms of infrastructure and books. The Sheetla Mata Board will do the needful.”
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