LIBRARY 2 LAST
Vijender
said the revival plan fructified thanks to Rs 3 crore fund granted last year by
the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
"The
fund would be utilised for restoration and digitisation of books, restoration
of buildings. Meanwhile, we held festivals and event in December to popularise
the library and bring the spotlight on the heritage landmark," she said.
A
five-day (December 9-13) Delhi Literary Heritage Fest was held at Shanti Desai
Sports Complex, Chandni Chowk, which included musical, poetic, cultural and
literary events and panel discussions.
"This
library was the place where people congregated for cultural activities. When
Gandhiji came here in 1948, he met cloth merchants at the Hardinge Library.
And, so many memories are associated with this library. And, therefore, we have
planned a cultural event on January 7, which would also include a
mushaira," she said.
As
part of heritage fest, an international conference on Protecting, Conserving
and Preserving Literary Heritage Collection was held from December 11-13 at the
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
"Around
300 participants and 23 speakers from all over the world participated in the
conference, including from British Library and Germany," she said.
On
December 7, the iconic building was lit up, enhancing its architectural
elements.
"It
was a sight to behold. And, one felt so proud to see it glitter. India has so
many libraries. We must try to project them as cultural and tourism
landmarks," Vijender added.
The
library, bearing a European design, has a dome on top, with ornate bordering.
The old name -- Hardinge Library --embossed on one of its porches, has
survived, besides a wrought-iron gate (Clark Gate) near it.
The
oldest book in the library is A Relation of Some Years Travaile Beginning in
1626 by Thomas Hardy Esquire, published by Willaim Stansby and Jacob Bloome in
1634
"A
consortium of heritage public libraries has also been set up with IGNCA as its
nodal agency. Besides, Hardinge Library, libraries at IGNCA and South Asian
University (SAU) are also part of it, and we expect more to join it," she
said. PTI KND TIR DIP
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Senior
Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co
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