SHILLONG, Jan 22: In a bid to rejuvenate the dwindling hardcopy reading culture in Shillong, the historic State Central Library is slated for a comprehensive overhaul and redesign. Commissioner and Secretary of the Arts and Culture department, FR Kharkongor, revealed to The Shillong Times that the department is actively pursuing this transformative initiative.
Currently, the State Central Library boasts a membership exceeding 30,000 and houses around 2 lakh volumes, and is aiming to create a more immersive space within the library walls. The goal is to not only preserve but also enhance the library’s role as a crucial hub for readers, children, and aspirants of competitive exams.
Kharkongor confirmed that the proposal for the library’s revamp has been dispatched to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, seeking assistance for the project.
Acknowledging that the department’s focus was on performing arts and culture, in the recent times, Kharkongor assured that there is going to be a paradigm shift toward remodeling the library. The transformation includes designated spaces such as a children’s corner and a knowledge corner, tailored to cater to the needs of youth preparing for state and national competitive exams. These sections will provide referencing and consultation resources.
Responding to inquiries about support for private libraries, Kharkongor stated that the department has not received communication from private library owners. However, he affirmed that the department is open to potential collaborations if such requests were received.
The department’s first priority would be to make the library a more welcoming space following which the aim is to hold events and promote book clubs.
Upon acceptance of the proposal, the revamp aims to breathe new life into the State Central Library, making it a vibrant centre for the city’s reading community. The State Central Library stands as the only public library in Shillong and plays an important role in preserving the diminishing reading culture. With bookstores vanishing due to the digital age, the library aspires to serve as an institutional access point, fostering a love for reading among the city’s residents.
The vivid picture painted by the recent book fairs in the city gave a sneak peek into the enthusiastic reading audience. And the revamped library could play in revitalising the reading landscape, providing a motivation for literature enthusiasts in the face of evolving mediums and technological advancements.
