The library on Seethakathi Street in Mogappair East is considered a boon to the people in the region. Given this, it is sad that this library, which comes under the Tiruvallur District Library Authority (TDLA), operates from the first floor of a dingy and poorly-maintained building.
Readers frequenting this branch library have been continually complaining about the condition of this building, alleged to have been denied even the basic form of maintenance for over a decade.
Nolambur resident S. Ramachandran says the building is cramped and has inadequate lighting. Most other portions of the building are lying vacant for reasons of safety. The front portion is used by the Chennai Corporation for segregating wastes. And the rear one serves as a storage area for scavengers. A 108 ambulance van is parked at the complex for the benefit of residents facing any emergencies.
Residents complain that as a result of poor lighting, hooligans move into the space after dusk.
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A senior citizen from nearby Pari Salai says that such things mar the positive image the library staff have created among readers through efficient customer services.
Corporation sources say that the library, which functions under TDLA, is not being moved for want of an alternative space.
It is hoped that the Tamil Nadu Housing Board would repair this building or provide a free site of equivalent space nearby where the library could be shifteto shift this library.
A resident of Veeramamunivar Street, S. Raghuveer, says, “When I went to fetch a book, I noticed pieces of ceiling plaster strewn on the floor.”
Raghuveer points out that District Library Authority lays down stringent conditions for opening any new library, including registering a five-cent land vacant land in the name of the Local Library Authority for construction of a new building and handing over a rent-free building to the Authority to run the library till new building is constructed.
It is pointed out that of the 65 branch libraries in Tiruvallur 58 function in their own building, 5 in rent-free buildings and two in rented buildings. Like many readers, Raghuveer wants the District Library Authority to take necessary steps to repair the building with the help of TNHB.