Cherished community space back with old-world charm as it rekindles nostalgia and civic pride in city’s reading community
The public reading room has been aesthetically restored, retaining its heritage appeal with original wooden tables and refurbished vintage cupboards.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
After nearly six years of silence and two last-minute postponements, the historic Athaide Municipal Library in the heart of Mapusa finally reopened its doors to the public on Friday, bringing joy and nostalgia to the town’s reading community – particularly its senior citizens who had long yearned for the return of this beloved space.
Housed in a beautifully restored Portuguese-era structure, the library’s reopening was more than just a ceremonial event. It marked the revival of a cultural and intellectual hub that once served as a cornerstone for community interaction, literary exploration, and daily reading rituals.
“For me, it was nothing short of a miracle,” said Allen Faria, a senior citizen and long-time advocate for the library’s revival.
Faria had tirelessly petitioned local leaders for an alternative reading space after the library shut down in September 2019 due to structural concerns. “It’s not just about reading as an adult. I grew up studying here. It’s deeply personal,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Vital Raut, another Mapusa resident, who recalled the library as more than just a place for books.
“I came here for newspapers, yes, but also to meet friends. It was our adda – a place for conversations, debates, laughter,” Raut reminisced.
The sudden closure in 2019 left a void in the town’s cultural life. Residents were dismayed by the lack of alternate arrangements during the extended restoration period.
“It felt like the people in power simply didn’t care. One day, the door was locked and a notice pasted outside. And that was it – no explanation, no urgency to get things moving,” said a resident from Morod.
Now, after a meticulous restoration overseen by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA), the library returns not just as a building, but as a symbol of renewed civic spirit. The colonial charm of the structure has been preserved – complete with vintage wooden cupboards and long Portuguese-era reading tables – while seamlessly integrating modern facilities.
The new-look library features a digital library, a children's reading corner, a career guidance section and a mini-conference room. The hall on the first floor has been expanded to host community events, workshops and meetings, cementing its role as a hub of engagement and learning.
“It’s nice that they kept the original tables. Only the chairs are new. Even the old cupboards have been restored – it still feels familiar,” said Pravin Langekar, a resident who has frequented the library since his school days.
While the restoration has received praise, not all are pleased with the adjacent canteen planned near the reading area.
“A canteen right next to the library? I’m not so sure about that,” said Faria, expressing mild concern.
As the Athaide Municipal Library begins a new chapter, it does so with a mission that extends beyond books – to inspire a community, connect generations and reaffirm Mapusa’s cultural soul.
