MARGAO
The Margao Municipal library, craving for attention over the years, is set for a major overhaul, with focus on the Children’s section with facilities such as video conferencing.
While the Municipal library is expecting the Department of Information Technology to pump in funds to renovate and refurbish the library at an estimated cost of Rs 23 lakh, Margao MLA Digambar Kamat is also eyeing on funds from the Department of Art and Culture to upgrade the library into a modern and vibrant library.
Tuesday saw the Margao MLA along with Margao Municipal Chairperson Damu Shirodkar, civic officials and officials of IT department inspecting the library how to go about the renovation work.
The Margao Municipal library has been in the news over the state of the old Portuguese books housed in the library without cupboards. In fact, serious concerns have been raised that the old Portuguese books may be destroyed and damaged if they are not protected for exposure to the vagaries of nature.
After the inspection, the Margao MLA told the media that the IT officials were invited for an inspection of the Municipal library since the government has received central government funds to upgrade and spruce up the libraries in the State. “Since the funds will be spent on libraries across the State, I made a request to the government to take up the Margao Municipal library and overhaul the same at a cost of Rs 23 lakh,” he said.
He added: Today, the officials have come for an inspection and to find out how to go about the renovation work. We have stressed on the need to spruce up the library with children’s section with all modern amenities, including video conferencing.”
On the old books and records in the Municipal library, Kamat said the work of digitisation of the old books is presently underway. He said though the Municipal library does not come under the Art and Culture Department, I have made a plea to take up the MMC library for renovation and upgradation.
