Branch library in very bad state, rue readers

Secunderabad: Shakha Library, Macha Bolaram, is in a bad condition with no proper amenities. Add to it, the library is sandwiched between two private houses. With just a single woman staff member to handle all the work, the books are scattered and heaps of newspapers dumped in a corner.

The 30-year-old library was shifted 5 years ago from the main road of Macha Bolaram to the interior of the colony in a corner without basic amenities, devoid of electricity, basement and no proper sitting facilities.

The earlier building had facilities and was spacious with people of all ages making use of it. At present, a few retired citizens visit the library. The younger lot just do not visit the library.

"I have been coming here for more than 10 years and I love to come to this library to read books. There have been no proper facilities for the past 5 years. Still, I come here and read books," said Sudarshan.

Earlier, 40-50 persons of all ages used to visit the old library but once it shifted there are hardly 4-5 readers that too only senior citizens come here, said by K Kumar, a regular visitor.

"It is very difficult to sit here and read books as there are no proper amenities. I have been coming here for 15 years and we have complained several times to the authorities concerned but no action has been taken. GHMC took over the old library building and has been imparting tailoring classes to ladies," said Narasimha, a local.

In the past, the library used to have separate sections and racks for literature, historical book, fictions books and also separate sections for English and Telugu Language books, but now all the books are mixed up.

The readers have written letters regarding the conditions to the authorities concerned, but no long-term solution has been found yet.