Oldest library in Old City crying for attention

Shahalibanda: One of the oldest and the second largest library after the Central library in Afzalgunj, Grandhalaya Samstha library located near Sudha Talkies at Lal Darwaza in Shahalibanda has fallen upon hard times and is crying for attention.

Due to lack of funds, it is running with meagre resources. The library managed by the Hyderabad city Grandhalaya Samstha was established in 1953 and was inaugurated by then Home Minister Digamber Rao Bindu.

This historic library has a total of 70,000 books in languages such as Urdu, English, Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, and include reference books, law books, medical books, historical books, dictionaries in all languages, subject books, besides periodicals like employment news, children books, magazines and dailies and almost all language newspapers.

The library is devoid of any basic amenities. There is no tap connection in the building as such there is no drinking water facility nor is any water provision in washrooms. The entire electric wiring has been damaged, said Grade-1 Librarian KV Munishwar Rao.

Rao said that he took charge one-and-a-half years ago, he had been hard put to maintain the library with available funds. Books were dusted off and racks cleaned well. He said as there is no water tap connection, they are purchasing it from outside for visitors. Rao said that he met with area MLA and requested for the public water connection in library, but it is yet to be provided. He also pointed to dearth of staff in maintaining the library well.

Earlier, earlier there was a strength of 14 members and now it is being run with only 4 members. "For the past few years the library has not even been painted and as it is an old structure, chunks are falling off from walls and roof. The monthly expenses for maintenance of the library is around Rs 15,000. This amount is sanctioned only after bills are shown.

Earlier funds were sanctioned by the GHMC, but for the past few years there the civic body has failed to provide any financial relief. At present, there are more than 5,000 members availing of the services of library by paying a deposit of Rs 100 for lifetime use.

More than 250 persons visit it daily for reading newspapers, while some engineering, medical and law students seek reference books. "This library has a huge number of books and if it is modernised and books digitised, it would be helpful to the coming generations," Munishwar Rao added.

Speaking on issue K Venkatesh, in-charge of Charminar constituency wing of Congress party, observed that it is the oldest library in Old City. But it is poorly maintained as the civic body and the government are neglecting it.

He said he called on HMWSSB area general manager and sought a tap connection to the building. The government should release funds for proper maintenance and should provide at least basic amenities. The building should be painted, and the old furniture must be replaced, he demanded.