For the Love of
Reading
It is a tale
of two libraries. One set up at the height of the British Raj 170 years ago,
the other a year after the Independence.
Both have not just managed to survive in the rapidly changing world of
computers and e-readers, but have also thrived under the patronage of bibliophiles
even as most libraries are shutting shop.
In step with
time
One of the
reasons for their survival is that they have evolved with the times. While the
older library — Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir on Laxmi
Road — has already embraced digitisation, the 70-year-old Government
Divisional Library at Vishrambaug Wada is in the process of doing so.
This apart,
the libraries are also trying hard to improve the services provided to members.
To cater to
its patrons living across the city, Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir even opened
branches in Bibvewadi, Kothrud and Warje. "It is difficult for members
living in different parts of the city to come to our library. So we decided to
go closer to them," said Arvind Ranade, secretary.
For senior
citizens, the library started a scheme called 'Library At Your Doorstep'.
"We
offer the service for Rs 120 per month for one book. Readers can read two books
for Rs 150 and three for Rs 180 each month. Every week, a library worker visits
each member with 70-80 books. The member can either choose from these books or
place a request over the telephone for a particular book," added Ranade.
The library
also sends a list of books purchased in the last three months to its members.
"A request can be placed on the basis of this list. Altogether, 100
members have enrolled in this scheme. We believe more will enroll if we
publicise this scheme," he said.
Meanwhile, the Government Divisional Library promised a better experience to its members in the near future. It is in the process of moving to NV Gadgil School, a corporation school in Shaniwar Peth. "There is a space constraint. We don't have a reading hall. But at the school, readers can expect better facilities," said Subhas Rathod, librarian.
Meanwhile, the Government Divisional Library promised a better experience to its members in the near future. It is in the process of moving to NV Gadgil School, a corporation school in Shaniwar Peth. "There is a space constraint. We don't have a reading hall. But at the school, readers can expect better facilities," said Subhas Rathod, librarian.
A magnet for bookworms
The libraries hold a special place in the hearts of the city's bibliophiles because of the massive and varied collections they boast of.
"At the Government Divisional Library, we have around 3,59,419 books, most of them in Marathi. There are a few Hindi books as well. Moreover, we subscribe to 69 periodicals and 19 newspapers (English, Hindi and Marathi)," said Rathod. " "We get all the latest books published in Marathi. Under the Press and Registration of Books Act, all publishers/writers must give a free copy of Marathi books published in the state to the divisional library," he added.
The Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir, meanwhile, has
70,000 Marathi books and 12,000 English books on a variety of subjects —
health, astronomy, economics, mathematics, history, philosophy, drama, travel,
politics, botany etc. Besides, there are books on competitive exams such as the
UPSC, SSC etc. Each of its branches — Bibvewadi, Kothrud and Warje — to has a
collection of about 6,000 books. "Whenever we get a request about any
particular book, we immediately purchase it. It has never happened that we
don't have a book that has been recently launched in the market. We have such
good relationship with suppliers that even before a book is launched, it is
sent to us," says Ranade.
Strong membership
Not surprisingly then, neither of the libraries has faced a drop in membership. "The member count only drops if a member leaves Pune or passes away. Hardly anybody has ever withdrawn his/her membership," said Ranade.
At its main library on Laxmi Road, Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir has around 1,000 members. "We get at least new 10 membership requests every month. We have crossed the 700-member mark at the Bibvewadi branch, which was opened two-and-a-half years ago. At our Warje branch, there are around 500 members and we have around 100 members at the Kothrud branch," Ranade said.
On the other hand, the Government Divisional Library has around 12,440 members.
"Every month, we get at least 40 to 50 new members. In December 2017, we got 23 new members," said Rathod. A few years ago, the library had to stop issuing membership forms because there were just too many members.
"In spite of earning very little from
membership fees, we manage to buy books worth Rs 7-8 lakh every year. This is
because of the rent we receive from two nationalised banks and the interest
earned on the bank deposit. We have an annual income of Rs 60 lakh. You will
rarely find any library earning so much," said Ranade.
Future plans
In its efforts to modernise as well as store more books, Pune Nagar Vachan Mandir has decided to purchase a compactor. "It will result in 80% space savings. Each compactor can accommodate 30,000 books," Ranade claimed.
As part of
future plans, the 170-year-old library intends to digitise a whopping two to
three lakh pages this year. There are other plans too. The Pune Nagar Vachan
Mandir intends to open branches at Sinhgad Road, Aundh and Vishrantwadi.
Source | https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/for-the-love-of-reading/articleshow/62494483.cms
Regards
Prof. Pralhad Jadhav
Master of Library &
Information Science (NET Qualified)
Senior Manager @ Knowledge
Repository
Khaitan & Co
Twitter Handle | @Pralhad161978
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