Neglected libraries leave elders, youth in the lurch
The prolonged delay in the implementation of the Punjab Public Library Bill has disheartened residents, including veterans and young people preparing for competitive examinations, as both urban and rural civic bodies have failed to treat the maintenance of libraries as a primary responsibility.
The situation remains bleak even at libraries that once stood as vibrant centres of knowledge for voracious readers in the Ludhiana and Malerkotla districts.
Residents, particularly veterans, students, and members of literary organisations, allege that authorities at Municipal Councils, Block Development Offices and other administrative bodies in the region have shown gross indifference towards providing sufficient reading material and adequate facilities at designated library venues.
Rupinder Singh Rupy of Rachhin village expressed disappointment that the government had failed to complete construction of a library, the foundation stone for which was laid on March 9,1995, by the then ADC (D) Raminder Singh.
“Though the government had announced the establishment of a library in memory of the renowned freedom fighter of the Gadar Movement from our village, Jarnail Singh Arshi, a quarter century ago, successive governments failed to keep the promise made to his followers, including villagers," said Rachhin. Villagers added that the administration’s lackadaisical attitude amounted to disrespect for both book culture and freedom fighters.
Brij Bhushan Goyal, former bank manager at the local PNB branch, also lamented that successive governments had failed to cater to the literary needs of Malwa, a region once known for producing eminent writers and poets.
“As people have stopped getting hospitable environments at libraries and enough reading material, the number of writers too declined accordingly," said Goyal, adding that the lack of library facilities had contributed to early signs of senescence among the elderly, whose thirst for reading remained unfulfilled.
Citing information received through an RTI query on one of the state’s most renowned libraries, Goyal regretted that the average book issuance rate had declined to 9.13 books per working day-far lower than in previous decades, when readers from nearly 100 localities would travel to Ludhiana to borrow books from the same library.
Sources in regional civic bodies revealed that no separate government grants were allocated for the establishment or maintenance of public libraries.
While the Municipal Council in Ahmedgarh owns several ground-level properties, its library-already lacking basic facilities-is located on the first floor of a noisy area, making it difficult for elderly users to access. Locals have demanded that the library be relocated to a more spacious and accessible venue on the ground floor.
When Municipal Councils at Barnala and Bhadaur can provide adequate facilities including books, journals and newspapers at well-maintained libraries, why can’t our administration accept our demand and create better facilities by establishing libraries and reading rooms on the ground floor?" said Pawan Gupta, a veteran social activist.
In response to demands raised by residents, led by MLAs Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra and Mohammad Jamil Ur Rahman, the Punjab Government sanctioned grants worth Rs 11.40 crore more than a year ago for the establishment of libraries in 12 villages of Malerkotla district. Construction has since begun at Mubarakpur, Dasaundha Singh Wala, Kalyan, Ahmedpur, Adampal, Sandaur, Kup Kalan, Jandali Kalan, Rurki Kalan, Kanganwal Bhari Mansa, and Banbhaura village, with support from MNREGA and Panchayati grants. However, progress on improving library infrastructure in urban areas is still in early stages.
Residents remain hopeful about progress on the long-pending Punjab Public Library Act, which is designed to establish a comprehensive and integrated system of public libraries across the state.
The Act, formally titled the Punjab Public Libraries and Information Services Bill, 2011, outlines provisions for the creation, development, maintenance and operation of public libraries in both rural and urban areas. It also underscores the right of every citizen to access information, knowledge and educational resources.
Ludhiana