Fade to nothingness: Skeletons in the shelves of Pindi’s historic library

British era building’s shabby exteriors lead to sorrier contents on the inside.

RAWALPINDI:

To onlookers, the central library of Rawalpindi city may seem like an historic relic functioning in the dark ages. Ever since its initiation in the British era, the Rawalpindi Municipal Library (RML) has been devoid of any innovation, driving away many bibliophiles. The provincial government’s lack of interest in making reforms could be one possible explanation for its continuing dilapidation.

Established by the British in 1837, RML is situated on the Benazir Bhutto Road.  The only public library in the city which has been functional for decades is slowly falling into oblivion, as the administration has failed to equip it with modern tools.

The library was re-established in 1982 under Town Municipal Administration (TMA) directives. Later in 2002, control was handed over to the City District Government Rawalpindi (CDGR). The district administration has been looking after its affairs ever since.

“The library houses 60,000 books and caters to 85,000 members,” said an official at RML. Sadly, the library has been without a librarian and assistant for the past six years, which reflects the non-serious attitude of the administration.

No recently-released books have been added to the collection of late, not even resource material for students. Visitors are being charged a fee of Rs250 for its membership. A large majority of these visitors, however, prefer to read newspapers, he added.

“The library does not have an up-to-date collection of books, especially those relating to the subject of foreign affairs,” complained Abdullah Hayyan, a Rawalpindi resident and a student of International Relations at Iqra University. The internet has replaced the traditional space occupied by books in the academic world, he added, but the absence of technology from the library has also taken away from its appeal. “It is the government’s prime responsibility to provide the library with the latest books to facilitate the public,” added Hayyan.

According to the RML official, the library as well as books inside it got damaged as a result of the flooding of Nullah Leh in 2001. The government at the time provided some books as compensation, but that instance was the last of such fortuitous developments.

Although the garrison city has another library located in the cantonment area, RML is the third largest library of Punjab and is in dire need of government attention. The official said that the culture of promoting reading and developing public libraries in Pakistan is already dwindling, and special care should be taken of such historical buildings which form a part of our historical legacy.

“Ever since the inception of this country, the government has taken the modernisation of libraries very lightly,” said Muhammad Tariq, a former professor of Government Post-Graduate College, Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi. Referring to examples from the developed world, Tariq said that the west has a strong culture of promoting libraries, which benefited society as a whole. “Reading culture can only be revived if libraries are equipped with technology,” he suggested.

Sidra Moeez, a student at Punjab College of Commerce, lamented that students cannot afford expensive books — therefore, the government should equip public libraries with such books in order to facilitate them.

RML In-charge Chaudhry Shahbaz admitted that the lack of modern technology in the public library has pushed away prospective visitors. After the devolution of ministries, the subject was transferred to the province, with the Library director general looking after the affairs. He claimed that the Library DG has provided books, but admitted that the number of these books was less, and should be increased.

“The need of the hour is to make reforms in the country’s public libraries,” added Shahbaz. Repeated attempts were made to contact Rawalpindi Commissioner Zahid Saeed for comment, but he was unavailable.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2014.