No visitors: Public libraries wear deserted look

"Currently, the only visitors to public libraries are students who want to appear in the competitive exams".


APP July 28, 2014

ISLAMABAD:


The Islamabad Public Library on 9th Avenue in Sector H-9 is awaiting visitors a year after its inauguration in 2013.


The Capital Administration and Development Division had set up the public library, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority.


The National Library of Pakistan (NLP) runs the H-9 library and its branches in sectors I-8, G-11, F-11, I-10, G-8 and G-7. “Most of the branches give a deserted look on most days as people have just stopped reading books,” said Hafiz Khubaib Ahmed, the library in-charge.


“In order to promote reading among the public, the government should arrange facilities such as internet and documentary screening in the libraries,” he said, further suggesting that visits to a library should be made part of schooling.


Currently, the only visitors to public libraries are students who want to appear in the competitive exams, he said, adding that the internet changed the way people read.


NLP publishes a bibliography of all new books published in the country. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2014.

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