School library faces financial crunch
From A CorrespondentLUDHIANA,
Nov 30 — Government Multi Purpose School came into existence about 120 years ago and so did its library. The school is located in a crowded area opposite Naulakha Cinema.
A fairly big squarish hall, where library is located, is divided into two parts. As one enters the hall one can see old almirahs with old books and old faded labels, which have become illegible. The almirahs are locked. This correspondent saw a large of dust on the locks and asked the librarian, Ms Parveen Lata, whether these were ever opened. She said, “Yes, of course, we issue books to the children. As there is no cataloguing system, so the boys see through the cupboards glars and choose a book”.
A number of students, whom this correspondent met, informed that they were not encouraged to sit in the library in their free periods. They were asked to go back to their classes and read their own books.
A couple of teachers sitting there said, “This year the school has bought a lot of books that would help students in competitive exams like IIT and CET. Actually we do not get any funds from the government”.
A mathematics teacher said, “There is no dearth of good books on mathematics. My only desire is that the library should get latest edition of these books. May be the paucity of funds stops the school authorities from buying these books”.
Ms Parveen Lata said, “I do not know how many books were here earlier, but now we have a good 17,000 books for 1600 students. We, sometimes, buy books from amalgamated funds. We have a library period and the students of + 1 and + 2 come here to read magazines and newspapers. We subscribe to 17 magazines and 7 newspapers”.
Another teacher Mr Vinod Uppal, said, “I have donated 41 books to the library. I come here daily to consult books. I would like our library to be computerised”.
The officiating Principal, Mr Makhan Singh, said at least 30 per cent of the students regularly visit library. The school offers vocational courses in short hand, computer, knitting mechanics and automobile. But the library does not have books on these subjects.
In a random survey, most of the students informed that they had never visited the library, whereas, some other said that they were neither issued books nor allowed to consult reference books. When this correspondent informed them that the librarian was willing to help students with books, the boys replied sarcastically, “That was just for showing off to you”.
The teachers, however, seemed pleased with the functioning in the library.
