On the outer walls of the beautiful red brick building that is the Madras Literary Society (MLS)’s library at Nungmabakkam, are a number of colourful posters. ‘MLS isn’t superman. But you can be! Become a member!’ says one while another says the library has ‘Books in many topics that can change your mind!’
The posters are part of a campaign launched by Kids Central, a school in Kotturpuram, to help the library, which, originally founded in 1812, is now facing financial constraints.
“We visited the library last year as part of a social studies lesson on Chennai’s architecture and when we found it needed help, the children decided to a start a year-long project. We want to make people aware of this library, donate some proceeds and volunteer our time and services,” said J.B. Gitanjali, head of the school.
Accordingly, around 50 children from classes VI, VII and VIII arrived on Saturday morning to learn about the library’s history, for a heritage walk on its premises and to figure out what they could do to help.
“We really hope this campaign will help. Our main aim is to get more members. We have nearly 80,000 books but many need preservation and that is expensive,” said Uma Maheshwari, the librarian.
The library currently had 200 members, but the society was hoping to increase the number to 350 or even more, said Mohan Raman, secretary of the society. “We need to close the gap between our income and expenditure, which currently comes to about Rs.2 lakh a year,” he said.
The library has some incredible works and even does home delivery of books, but needs money for modernisation, restoration and for opening a Tamil section, Mr. Raman said.
Jaidev Bhalaje, a class VI student, has made a start — “I’ve made my parents become members,” he said.
The library has 200 members, but the society is hoping to increase the number to 350 or even more
