Dear Editor,
Before the advent of TV, Mobile, Computer, people hardly remained indoors. Now the entire world can be seen sitting in some corner of a house watching TVs, mobiles, operating computers thanks to the advancement of science and technologies. Science and technology have helped mankind a lot. Newspapers and magazines can be read in the mobile itself. Nevertheless, the need for Reading Room-cum-Library cannot be dispensed with. Public libraries with reading rooms must be set up within a radius of 2 kilometres in big cities and one or two in small towns. Reading rooms and libraries inculcate the habit of reading among the people. Not all people are well-versed in the usage of computer and mobiles to their advantage. Reading rooms and libraries are the temples of hard copies of newspapers and invaluable books accessible for educated people sans the knowledge of computer and mobiles utilisation. Unfortunately, the availability of Reading Rooms and Libraries is not commensurate with the existing and increasing population. There is imperative need for establishment of Reading Rooms and Libraries in more number of places in cities and towns than they are available now to wean away the people from excessive use of mobiles. The need for Reading Rooms and Libraries has been taking upturn with some of the newspapers and magazines resorting to the denial of online reading. Further, establishment of Reading Rooms and Libraries creates employment opportunities also. Libraries are saviours of country’s history. During the inauguration of the “Samau Shaheed Memorial”, a tribute to the 12 martyrs from Mansa who laid down their lives in the pursuit of India’s freedom during 1857 revolt, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the need for preservation and proliferation of libraries. Discerning people who have appetite for knowledge but cannot afford to subscribe for newspapers and buy books can be given opportunity to read newspapers and books for free in the public libraries. Libraries promote the habit of reading among people. Schools and colleges provide Reading Room and Library facilities so that the students can gain knowledge on issues of state and national importance apart from keeping them glued to the study materials. Nothing can dispense with the need of Reading Rooms and Libraries.
K.V. Seetharamaiah