The more than 100-year-old Andhra Pradesh Library Association (APLA) is falling apart, thanks to bifurcation.
Ironically, the Association recently celebrated completion of 100 years of its existence, recalling the hoary past which has witnessed concerted and committed efforts of individuals from across Andhra Pradesh, both Telangana and Seemandhra region, in promoting library movement across the length and breadth of the nation.
The executive committee of the Association met recently in Hyderabad where some of its members from Telangana region expressed their desire to part ways and float their separate Association.
The meeting decided to constitute an ad hoc committee with Boyinapalli Venkata Rama Rao, the now vice-president of the APLA, and a combined meeting would be called to float the new Telangana Library Association.
“The demand for a separate Association came from that side and we did not want to disrespect it. We hope that the two organisations will work with equal enthusiasm for promotion of the principles we have so long adhered to,” Raavi Sarada, secretary of the APLA told The Hindu.
The main aim of the Association was to take the library movement into the public and to establish libraries in every village.
With changing times, a strong need was felt to set up a library in the heart of Vijayawada city and on March 30 in 1987, a library was inaugurated on Ugadi day by the then APLA secretary Pathuri Nagabhushanam and called ‘Sarvotthama Grandhalyama’, named after Mr. Nagabhushanam’s predecessor Gadicherla Harisarvottama Rao.
Since, then the library has grown in leaps and bounds and currently equipped with 22,000 books.
The library is a favourite spot for those pursuing a research in Telugu literature. The collection includes stuff on English literature, history, material on personality development and competitive exams.
The library is fully automated and served, on an average, 200 readers everyday besides providing internet, printing and photocopying services to the readers.
“Government should take note of the services rendered by libraries in disseminating and enhancing knowledge and provide financial assistance for their further improvement,” says Ms. Sarada.
