Mysore, July 9 (SH&MTY)- Good news for citizens. A well- equipped modern library will come up at People's Park opposite the suburban bus stand here.

The library building, a two-storeyed structure to be built on the site embroiled in controversies, at a cost of Rs. 6 crore, on a land measuring 340x400 feet, is expected to be completed in about a year's time. The structure has been proposed to bear similarity to the architecture of either the Mysore City Corporation building or that of the Mysore Palace.

The Department of Public Libraries has issued a circular relating to the project and will be constructed by the department. The City Central Library has been asked to prepare the blueprint and cost estimate for the proposed structure.

Special features

In the backdrop of Mysore being described as a heritage city, the new library building has also been proposed to have a touch of heritage. The interiors of the building has been proposed to be modern in design and will have a space for numerous books.

Basic facilities will be provided in the new building for readers. In case of power failures, alternative facility will be in place so that the readers will not face any obstacle. Drinking water, toilet and good ventilation are the other features, B. Manjunath, Asst. Director of the Library, told SOM.

Mayor Sandesh Swamy, who is also the Chairman of the City Central Library, held a meeting with the officials and members of the library in its premises on Thursday. Later, he inspected the proposed site for the library.

Speaking to mediapersons, the Mayor disclosed that the government had given a grant of Rs. 6 crore for the building and suggested that the library be established in People's Park. In that backdrop, an honest effort will be made to provide the new library as early as possible, he said.

Librarian Padmashree, Rotary Librarian Sumalatha, Children Book Council's Shashikala, members Dr. M. Sreenivasamurthy, M.L. Ravishankar and others were present.

The Mayor informed during the meeting that he would discuss with the MUDA Commissioner and request him to release Rs. 10 crores immediately, which is due from the Authority to Mysore City Corporation. He also assured that the share of the Corporation for the library would also be released soon.

Earlier, Manjunath explained that both MUDA and MCC are collecting six paise from the public as part of the tax under Public Libraries Rules 1966, Section 14(A) and Karnataka Public Libraries Act 1965, Clause 30.

There are 22 public libraries in the city and steps will be taken to establish libraries in all the 65 wards of the city, he said.

The vehicles of the City Central Library used for mobile library is not in working condition. A request has been made to the authorities to provide a new vehicle for the purpose, he added.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore