MAKAUT comes up with open library at book fair

Kolkata: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT) came up with an open library at the 43rd International Kolkata Book Fair on Friday. The aim of the initiative is to inculcate the habit of reading in people.

In the open library, a visitor will be allowed to read books and also take it home under the condition that he returns it after a certain period or replaces it with books that he owns.

"We introduced the concept of open library at the book fair to inspire people to read and have plans to start this initiative at other places too. We are hopeful that the step will revive the waning interest in reading," said MAKAUT vice-chancellor Saikat Maitra.

Many people are reading e-books these days and therefore books at libraries at various institutions are lying

in neglect. There are about 5,000 books in the open library on the MAKAUT's Salt Lake campus. These books are being supplied to the book fair from time to time as the stall at the fair ground is not big enough to accommodate a lot of

books.

The technology university plans to have open libraries at its affiliated colleges in the state in future. "The stock of books in such libraries increases gradually as readers donate books, "said a senior official of MAKAUT.

In May last year, a similar kind of street open library was set up on the wall of Vidyanjali High School at the crossing of Allenby Road and Dr Rajendra Road in Bhowanipore with the help of local councillor Ashim Basu. The step has evoked good response and the collection of the library has increased considerably with time.