There are more than half a dozen libraries in Biratnagar. The library has everything. The only ones who don't are the readers.
What you should know
First - In the streets and squares of Biratnagar, the discussion of the library was heard. Just like the political gossip in the tea shop now. Similarly, new books and libraries were being talked about all over the city. There were discussions.
Students flipping through books in the city's old and historic Adarsh Library, youth debating in Adarsh Library, readers enjoying poetry in Devkota Library, all these gave Biratnagar the identity of an intellectual and cultural city. But, now the time has changed . There are books in the library, but finding a reader is like finding a lost needle.
Locks are hanging on the doors of some libraries. The books are covered with dust, Dhamira has started eating the books . Many cities in the East are without libraries . However, there are more than half a dozen libraries in Biratnagar. Everything is . The only readers who don't have it are .
At present some community libraries including Bishnumaya Library, Gurans Library, Adarsh Library, Devkota Library, Virat Rajvanshi Cultural Library are still functioning continuously. However, the condition of most libraries is critical. "Earlier there was such a crowd of readers that there was no place to sit", said Rajendra Rai, manager of Adarsh Library, which was established in 2003, "Now it is mostly quiet." According to
Rai, the library used to be crowded with students throughout the day. It was also a custom to make a membership card and take the book home. Now new members are not added for months. The number of hands that turn the book is decreasing,' says Rai.
vs. Established in 2003, Adarsh Library was once not only the pride of Biratnagar, but also the center of intellectual luxury. But now, looking at its dilapidated building, it seems that this library, which is burdened with history and memory, is in crisis of existence.
Bishnumaya Library of Bhatta Chowk is trying to attract modern readers through e-library by introducing digital system. But there is a lack of readers. Manager Dipen Neupane says, "We have started digital catalog and e-book service, but the youth prefers to read on mobile rather than visiting the library." Readers are decreasing even with modern facilities. Why is the habit of reading books decreasing?
UML vice-president Surendra Pandey, who topped the MPhil exam, said in a conversation with Kantipur TV, "I read for three hours a day." Whether it's a course or an outside book, the range of knowledge becomes wider.
But most of the common people don't read while reading the book . According to a study, mobiles, internet, e-books, YouTube and online notes have pushed students away from the library. "Nowadays, students seek knowledge by scrolling the screen, not by flipping the book," said Krishna Pokharel, an intellectual leader of Biratnagar, "The era of going to the library and flipping through the book is on the verge of ending."
There are only tens of old books in many libraries. There is a lack of up-to-date literature, research or career-oriented content to attract the new generation. Because of this, the youth Jamaat does not go to the library. Plans to revive the
library are limited to paper. The structure of the library is dilapidated, the furniture is old, the books are damaged. However, the metropolis It does not give a budget, nor does it advance a systematic policy plan. In schools, limited education limited to textbooks has not been able to develop the habit of "playing with books" in students.
The way to save the library
To revive the libraries of Biratnagar, the local community, municipality and state government There is a need for collective initiative.
Expansion of digital library: E-books, online journals and Internet access are necessary to facilitate the intellectual leaders of Biratnagar say .
"It is necessary to attract the youth and students by adding science, technology, career and literary books according to the interests of the new generation," Seema Abhas, a writer from Biratnagar, said, "Otherwise it will be difficult to save the library." Revival of
literary events: Author-reader meetups, reading seminars and literary debates are another possibility that could draw young people back to the library .
Rita Sah, a graduate student who met at Devkota Library, says, 'The smell of turning a book, the experience of turning the pages is not found online . But we are discouraged by the lack of new books and the inconvenience of old libraries.'
According to Raghunandan Yadav, a 55-year-old teacher who is turning the pages of books in Adarsh Library, the culture of reading is gradually disappearing. He says, "If the habit of reading is not developed in children from school, then the city library is sure to die."
