THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
For nearly five years, the historic Athaide Municipal Library in Mapusa has remained shuttered, leaving residents without a vital reading space.
Now, the renovated old municipal heritage building is poised to reopen with a a fully equipped digital library.
Although no official timeline has been set for the building’s inauguration, the people of Mapusa are eagerly anticipating the new facility.
The Department of Arts and Culture has officially directed the Mapusa Municipal Council to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to facilitate the establishment of this digital library.
The State government has already allocated funds under a scheme run by the Directorate of Arts and Culture, specifically for the creation of this advanced public resource.
The restoration work of the over 100-year-old municipal building is being spearheaded by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA).
With an estimated cost of Rs 3.8 crore, the renovation includes extensive repairs to the building’s roof and structural improvements.
Work began in November 2022 with the original expectation of completion within six months, but the project has faced several delays.
Currently, the renovation work is in its final stages, with the primary structural repairs completed.
A senior GSUDA engineer informed that the ground floor will be dedicated to the new library, while the first floor will see the renovation of a hall and other rooms. There will also be a provision for a pantry in the building.
The digital library is expected to offer residents access to digital resources, e-books, and other online materials.
The addition of this digital facility is set to mark a significant improvement in the town’s public library services, especially after the closure of the municipal library nearly five years ago.
According to sources in the Department of Arts and Culture, the fully equipped digital library could be inaugurated by October or November of this year, pending the completion of the remaining work.
