For regular users of public libraries, the spaces are a haven: to relax, delve into a book and forget that the outside world exists for just a little while. Some go there to study, or to just browse.
The recent rains and floods have damaged five government public libraries in the city — the worst-affected being the one at Ashok Nagar on 11{+t}{+h}Avenue. So, some residents who love libraries have come together to help restore it.
The group is asking residents to donate books to help re-stock the library. A Facebook page — ‘Save Chennai Libraries’ — has also been created for the purpose.
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The Ashok Nagar public library lost nearly 1 lakh of its 2 lakh books in the floods, as its entire ground floor was inundated, said district library officer Elango Chandrakumar.
“But all five of the affected libraries have been re-opened from December 14. We have already put in 8,000 new books, transferred 2,000 others and got 1,000 books from volunteers at Ashok Nagar. We are hoping to get more,” he said. Lavanya Gopinath, an IT professional and a member of the group, read about the damage on twitter.
“We got in touch with the officials to see what we could do to help and decided to adopt the Ashok Nagar library. About 80 per cent of the books lost here were in Tamil, and the rest, in English. We have been given a list of the genres needed and we are also trying to compile names of books through publishers’ lists,” she said.
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Tamil literature, fiction, poetry, self-help books, comics, periodicals, children’s books and historical works are needed. In English, mainstream fiction and non-fiction and children’s books are needed, said Ms. Gopinath.
As of now, books can be dropped off at the dropping points set up by the group. “Many libraries have dedicated people who come in regularly. When I heard about the damage, I decided to get involved,” said Mr. Chenthilnathan, the owner of a transportation business. “People come after office hours and on weekends, with their families since it is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is a great community resource,” said Mr. Chandra Kumar.
To donate, email savechennailibraries@ gmail.com.