Three years on, State’s heritage library remains in suspended animation

On National Librarians Day, a photograph of S.R. Ranganathan hangs in the State Central Library's first-floor corridor, while a dozen readers work at tables in the heritage building, under repair for three years. Library staff express disappointment with the inconsistent pace of conservation work, which has left the main hall and foyer without basic amenities.

Ziyan, a Tadbund resident preparing for NEET, studies in a shaded area outside the 1936 building, bringing his own books as the library lacks adequate resources. The library's collection of over five lakh books, including two lakh in English, has seen a decline in patronage due to poorly organized books, staff shortages, and a lack of basic facilities.

The conservation project, beginning three years ago, has failed to improve conditions, with the main hall closed for nearly a year. The library operates with 33 regular staff members, far short of the 104 sanctioned posts, and no chief librarian, leading to poor maintenance. The heritage building has previously hosted film productions, but today, it is cluttered with an RTC logistics counter, a canteen, and private buses.