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| In this "forbidden" library; many books are stolen, many are torn, several litter the floor | | |
By Babhoos
JAMMU, Dec 24: The most complete way to block channels of knowledge and information to society is to shut on public the doors of schools, or libraries, or other knowledge providing centres. This is what the Department of Libraries has done to the people of Poonch.
The Poonch District Library, housed in an "abandoned" hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), is in shambles and has become a "forbidden" ground for the knowledge seekers. Many books are missing, several others are torn while hundreds of others litter the floor.
It also does not have any place to sit for its members. In the name of furniture, it has three chairs and one table, besides a couple of racks and almirahs.
It is also faced with the staff shortage. From seven, the staff strength is now reduced to three, including two real sisters and a male attendant. The sisters come on alternate days.
The district library was earlier housed in the Fort Building in the heart of Poonch town. But in the 2005 earthquake, that had rocked Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the adjoining Poonch district, the Fort Building had developed cracks and fallen at many places. The library had also suffered extensive damages and many books were destroyed. Also, the library registers, which had the record of hundreds of old history and religious books, besides some important literary works, issued in the names of several members, were destroyed.
As the record was destroyed, these members never returned the books. Even the authorities concerned never made an effort to recover these books from the members, most of whom stood identified.
Official sources said before the 1995 earthquake, the library had over 500 members, but now it hadn't more than 30 members.
Sources said most of the missing and stolen books were the old Poonch
history books, including some manuscripts.
No care is being given for the upkeep of the remaining books worth lakhs of rupees. Even as they are neglected and in bad shape, they are useful tools for scholars all over the state working on the social and cultural history of Poonch.
When contacted to comment on the pitiable condition of the library, Poonch Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Khajuria admitted that it was in a bad shape. Locals had also come to him with complaints in this regard, he added.
Khajuria said he would soon take some appropriate measures to ensure smooth functioning of the library.
The Early Times also spoke to some locals in this regard. Barkat Singh, a retired district education and planning officer, said he wondered if the libraries could be run this way also. "When we go there, we do not find any authority to speak to," he added.
Suresh Raina, who has retired as senior lecturer, said the library looked more like a bookstore as several books of famed authors were scattered all over the floor.
Akhilesh Sharma and Majid, both old library members, said they had stopped going to the library which nowadays looked more like a big dustbin.
The deputy commissioner said he would be visiting the library in a day or two to find out what immediate steps were need to make it a place worth sitting and studying.
The locals said sincere efforts needed to be made to ensure the rescuing of hundreds of books, which were in the possession of some old members. They also asked the government to provide infrastructual support to the library for the preservation of books. |
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