Three public libraries in the city will now offer access to e-magazines through Magzter, an online platform that has a collection of magazines representing a wide range of subjects.
The libraries are Anna Centenary Library (ACL) at Kotturpuram, Connemara Public Library at Egmore and Circle Library in Ashok Nagar.
Besides vernacular and English magazines from India, the new facility would offers access to magazines in other various languages of the world.
“The e-magazine facility was funded by Chennai District Local Library Authority Fund. It costs ₹ 17,500 for annual subscription for a single computer terminal. Magzter application is installed in two terminals at ACL and at one each in the Ashok Nagar and Connemara libraries. Member or non-member, anyone availing the facility need not pay any fee. After reviewing the patronage, we will be introducing the facility in other libraries in a phased manner. This facility aims to help aspirants of competitive examinations,” says the District Library Officer.
Also, with a fund of ₹1.29 crore from the Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation, subscriptions have been made to over 400 national journals, 37 international journals, 186 national research journals and 53 international research journals for Anna Centenary Library for the period stretching from June 2017 to May 2018.
Sessions for children
The Department of Libraries has come up with new initiatives for children.
“As storytelling, painting, craft, science experiment, creative writing, mathematics and chess sessions for children have been received well, we want to continue offering them and increase the footfall at government libraries,” says the District Library Officer.
Some of the libraries are: District Central Library in Anna Salai (PH: 2852 4765); Gandhi Nagar Circle Library (PH: 2445 2332); Thiruvanmiyur Full-Time Branch Library (PH: 2442 0552); and Sinthinai Sirpi Singaravelar Swayamariyathai Sudaroli Jeevarathinam Manimadapam Full-Time Branch Library near Royapuram (PH:94452 38353).
