The Chennai Corporation Council on Tuesday put on hold a proposal for allotment of alternative space for a library located on the Marina beach.
The civic body has proposed to relocate the library as part of the efforts taken to beautify the beach.
The proposal was to shift the library to a Corporation shopping complex on Guruvappa Street in Triplicane zone.
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Responding to the objections raised by Congress councillor Mangala Raj to relocation of the facility, Mayor M.Subramanian said “A decision on the matter would be taken after consultation with the Directorate of Public Libraries.”
“Many people who use the library are against the demolition of the structure in the Marina beach,” said Mr.Mangala Raj.
A number of people visiting the beach use the library regularly, he said.
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The library, opposite Presidency College, has a collection of 3,000 books.
Wide-ranging patronage
M.R. Sukumaran, a retired government official who has been using the facility for the past ten years, said the library attracts visitors from all parts of the city. “I have a library in proximity to my house in Perambur. But I come regularly to the Marina library and spend at least two hours a day because of the healthy environment,” he added.
“It is surprising that the Corporation has planned to destroy a very good place for reading. This library is like a temple,” said Mr. Sukumaran.
“A large number of students of Queen Mary's College and Presidency College also use the library. The library is an ideal place to read newspapers for those who take a walk on the Marina in the morning,” said R.Shankar, another visitor.
More illumination near the library may curb the activities of antisocial elements during the night, said P. Dharma Raj, another visitor.