State-level Library Week celebrations commence

Saroornagar: Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy stated here on Thursday that libraries were being set up in the State to suit the changing times.

Speaking after launching the 52nd Library Week celebrations at the junior college grounds here, she stated that there were 571 libraries in Telangana with over five lakh readers. She observed that libraries were proving to be useful for students in competitive examinations. She said the declining book-reading habit due to availability of latest gadgets was not a good sign.

Calling upon teachers in school and parents in houses to encourage students to take to reading books, the minister announced the launch of internet facilities in libraries in districts and provision of books for senior citizens there. She stated that Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao was devoting special attention to libraries by making many suggestions for their development.

Reddy conveyed greeting to children on the Children's Day. She distributed books and pens to students. A dance performance by students received all-round applause. Addressing the gathering, Chevella MP Ranjith Reddy called upon people to develop book-reading habit. He advised students to make good use of libraries. Legislators Manchi Reddy Kishan Reddy and Anjayya Yadav explained the utility values of libraries.

State Grandhalaya Samstha Chairman Kappati Panduranga Reddy, who presided over the inaugural session of the Library Week celebrations, promised development of libraries in the district with the cooperation of the minister.

Among those present at the function were Corporator Anita, Gaddiyannaram Market Committee Chairman Ramnarsimha Goud, Director of Libraries Raman Kumar, district secretary Harishankar.