Mangalore: City Central Library - Total Recall to Mark ‘National Library Week’

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
By Prakash Samaga 

Mangalore, Nov 18: Dakshina Kannada has played a predominant role in the field of public libraries. In those days of early 50s when newspapers remained the assets of only rich people in the society, public library that came into existence in DK during 1951 catered numerous common individuals of the district. The library revolution in the district indeed proved that libraries are infact the 'Universities of Common People'.

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With the vision of great patriot Karnad Sadashiv Rao known as ‘Gandhiji of Dakshina Kannada’, the public libraries came into existence in Mangalore in the year 1951. People virtually realized the importance of reading and made it a part of life. There are many other icons who also brought up sacred literature and other institutions and contributed for successive generations.

For the 22,000 members of the City Central Library located on Lighthouse Hill, it's joyful moment now as it is celebrating ‘National Library Week' programme from November 14 to November 20.

The inauguration function of National Library Week and Book Exhibition jointly organized by the city and the district central library was held at the central library of Light House Hill here on Thursday November 18.

At the inaugural function, litterateur Amruth Someshwar said that there was a need for parents to imbibe in children the reading habit. When said 'reading', the children should be encouraged to gain knowledge through books apart from the ones aiding academics. He urged the government to initiate a project, 'Bhagya Saraswati' for children on the lines of Bhagyalaxmi. 

As part of it, various book exhibition, seminar, and competition such as drawing, essay writing, fancy dress, among others have also been planned to conduct at the different branches including in the central library. During the week newly arrived book elsewhere unavailable will be exhibited to cater the thirst of book lovers. The central library was started its operation on January 15th 1969 and has a collection over 1,50,000 books, 20 daily’s, 20 weekly’s, 10 fortnights, 15 monthly newspapers.

It has 22,046 registered members catering public at large.

Raghavendra K V, deputy director, City Central Library, Mangalore, speaking to Daijiworld said that the object of conducting ‘National Library Week’ is to invent ways to raise awareness about libraries and library services and to check out the promotional tools below for new ways to promote the message of National Library Week.

Further he said that the Mangalore branch in particular has aimed to attract more students towards library and to increase membership. The central library has 18 branches in the city limit where in also this national library week will be organized with various activities. The central library will be computerized; users would find it easier to access books with the implementation of bar coding system soon, he added. Apart from all these staff members of central library and other branches are visiting doors of individuals and also achieved a lot through getting good number of new members. Mr Raghavendra said it has converted to be a campaign by its success.

Library Attractions 

Among above said 18 branches of library, a mobile van library is visiting some of the places on particular days and time. It is great to notice that it has evoked a good response with having 2000 regular visitors or readers for mobile library alone. The mobile van schedule is as follows: Tuesday – Jeppina Mogeru School from 11 am to 12 pm, Lions Club 12 pm to 1 pm. Wednesday – Pumpwell from 11 am to 11.50 am, Padil from 12 pm to 1 pm, Maroli from 1.15pm to 1.45pm, Shaktinagara 2 pm to 2.20pm, Silver Gate 2.25pm to 3.00pm. Thursday – Boloor 11 am to 11.45 am, Urva Market from 11.50 am to 12.30pm, Shediguri from 12.40pm to 1.15 pm, Zilla Panchayath from 1.30 pm to 2.20 pm, Bejai from 2.30pm to 3.00pm. Friday – Morgans Gate from 11 am to 11.30 am, Mangaladevi from 11.35 am to 12.05 pm, Bolar from 12.15 to 12.45, Pandeshwar from 12.50 pm to 1.15 pm, MGO from 1.20 pm to 1.45 pm, Kalakunja from 2pm to 3.00 pm. Saturday – Konchady from 11 am to 11.45 am, Kunjatthabail from 12 pm to 12.35pm, Bondel from 12.45pm to 1.35pm, Padavinangady from 1.40pm to 2.15 pm and Yayyadi from 2.20 pm to 3.00 pm. The mobile library will not be moving on national holidays.

Another branch Community Children Center at Valencia is realizing the importance of reading among children aged between 3 to 12 years. Small children also have been availed with playthings and other toys. The only purpose of Community Children Center branch is to seed the taste of reading at very early age. One more branch located at Kadri ESI hospital is catering the relish of reading for the doctors, patients and also outsiders. District Jail, Kodialbail branch of Central Library are meant for staffs and prisoners. A four months Library science certificate course has been conducted at Valencia branch with having 80 students in current batch. This course is helpful while applying for the library assistant post.