E-learning facility proves a big draw for booklovers

Visakhapatnam: Unlike the drab furniture, faded walls and worn-out shelves loaded with untouched collection of books at most district libraries, this one paints a bright picture. The well-equipped e-learning centre that has 41 systems turns out to be an added attraction for many to step into Visakhapatnam Public Library to spend long hours.

The Public Library at Dwarakanagar that has a collection of over 54,000 books offers multiple facilities under one roof. Two halls to host meetings and interactive sessions with resource persons, digital projector room to screen motivational videos (including TEDx events), exclusive section for children and periodicals, general section of books, separate career wing study rooms for girls and boys and now the e-learning facility draw booklovers from all walks of life.

"The idea is to make the premises a hub of knowledge, creating conducive atmosphere. Since ambience plays an imperative role for the readers to stay focussed, we have paid special attention on lighting, colourful furniture and other stuff. When readers are comfortably placed, the process of learning becomes a pleasure," reasons D S Varma, secretary of Visakhapatnam Public Library Society.

The e-learning facility, launched by Visakhapatnam Port Trust Chairman M T Krishna Babu who contributed Rs 25 lakh to the facility as part of VPT's CSR initiatives, allows aspirants to take 500-mock tests, including for group exams, IBPS and Staff Selection Commission (SSC).

Elaborating the advantage of library, P Ragalatha, who is preparing for SSC, says, "Resource persons keep delivering lectures here. Apart from preparing for the examination, we do come here to listen to these lectures as we can clarify our doubts personally with experts."

With a majority of tests being conducted online, many find the newly-launched e-learning centre a step towards preparing them for main exam. "We don't have to go to different destinations for our needs as most of the facilities are available here and that too at an affordable rate.

This way, we can save our time and money too," adds M Gayatri, who is preparing for competitive examinations. Next, the second floor is getting ready with more reading space and book collection that would touch a lakh.