SHILLONG: Readers to the reading section of the State Central Library had to return empty handed on Wednesday as the section remained closed till 1 o’clock much to the dismay of the readers. They, many of whom are frequent visitors to the library, went twice and thrice only to find the section closed.
Speaking to The Shillong Times a reader said, “I was amazed to find that the section remained close till 1 o’clock whereas the book lending and children section were running on time.” An elderly reader said that a library should maintain punctuality by the clock. “But here in the Reading Section particularly the ladies staff turn up after 1 o’clock,” he said adding that it is common practice by them.
A college student visited thrice to the Library on Wednesday only to find that the section is closed. “It is indeed disgusting to find that the reading section is closed till noon. How can it remain close till half the day when readers are waiting outside anxiously,” he said. A lady said that she enquired from the staff of other sections but they only assured her that the staff are on their way but none came in time.
“This is uncalled for. A library is expected to run like schools,” said a frequent visitor to the reading section. These readers also alleged that newspapers to the reading section arrive much late mostly after midday. “Here the newspapers start arriving after 12:30. Now readers like me who come to the library to have a go into the day’s newspapers have to wait till 2 o’clock for the arrival of all the broadsheets,” he said.
Meanwhile, these readers have also tried to approach the librarian to find out as to what is the reason behind the delay in opening the reading section on Wednesday but in vain. “Even the librarian was not available in her seat when we went. This is a good example of how unpunctual can an institution be if the headmistress herself does not maintain punctuality,” said one of the reader who waited there for long.
A staff from the lending section said that the staff got late due to the heavy rain. When asked about the habitual ‘lady staff’ latecomers, the staff smiled but did not comment anything