State to waive off fees of its libraries

Kolkata: The state Mass Education Extension and Library Services department has decided to completely waive membership fees of its libraries across the state to encourage more people to access books and publications. Any person below 18 years enjoyed free membership in libraries until now.

"The decision has already been taken to completely waive membership fees. Some official work in this regard is still on. The official announcement will be made on January 29 in a programme at the state Central Library in Ultadanga by minister of Library Services Siddiqullah Chowdhury," a senior official of the department said.

It may be mentioned that around 35 lakh students below 18 years get free access to libraries. As per estimates of the department, with implementation of the free service the total count of people will go up to 1 crore. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wants to ensure that more people are able to access library facilities in the state.

According to sources, there are around 2,500 state-run libraries in the state among which 350 had been closed down due to lack of manpower. Recently, we have inducted 184 employees and have opened some of these libraries.

"We are taking all possible measures to open the libraries that were closed down," a senior official of the department said.

It may be mentioned that currently there are 1.33 crore members in the state libraries. The fees for membership vary from Rs 50 to Rs 200 yearly depending upon the location of the libraries. However, it has been found that collection of fees has not been regular due to lack of staffers and certain other factors. Members often stay away from libraries because of their inability to cough up the fees.

The state government has allocated additional funds for the development of infrastructure of libraries across the

state. The libraries that were previously given Rs 10,000 to 30,000 have received Rs 50,000 this year.

In an attempt to popularise libraries across the state, the department will observe 52 days in a special manner across all the libraries as a tribute to eminent religious leaders of all communities on their birth or death anniversaries.