Waiting, reading go hand in hand

Saligramam Passport Seva Kendra has a mini library for visitors. The writer checks out some of the 500 titles on display

Waiting at the Saligramam Passport Seva Kendra can be a wholesome experience, one that is filled with the joy of learning.

Inside the waiting room of the passport office, a library now keeps visitors company.

To promote the reading habit and at the same time make the service at the passport office customer-friendly, the Education Secretary had proposed the establishment of mini libraries at the Seva Kendras in the city.

The first such library has been functioning at the Saligramam office, where books are kept in a glass case. The books are the property of the LLA branch library at Gugan Street in Kodambakkam. The librarian visits the office for routine checks and also updates the collection of books.

“We have provided some 500 books to the passport office at the waiting room,” says the librarian.

Of them, 350 are mixed genre books such as history, literature and science.

And 150 are travel and tourism and children’s books. All the books are in Tamil expect the children’s books, which are in English.

Those visiting the passport office are expected to help themselves to the books and put them back before leaving the office.

“We don’t have sufficient manpower at the passport office to employ someone to manage the book shelf. The key has been left with the security at the office, who issues a book only on request by a customer,” she adds.

She says it is difficult to run a proper library inside as people are always on the move.