It was expected that the Dr Francisco Luis Gomes Library in Navelim would be a trend setter. Unfortunately it is has not generated the momentum in terms of attraction of readers and motivating spread of information. When lights go off, the generator does not work and has been out of order for months. Consequently the lifts and airconditioning do not function. Recently an elderly man with knee operation was stranded in the lift for close to 20 minutes. The jerk also affected his operated knee and one can imagine his trauma without being able to call for help. The air-conditioning is meant for preservation of library material and is not a luxury. The readers and other users are handicapped due to non-functioning of computers and lights due to power breakdowns.
One must assume that functioning of vital generator is neglected due to negligence and no regular maintenance by authorities concerned. The infrastructure maintenance is the job of establishment and not that of library staff. Libraries the world over conduct seminars, readers clubs, release of new books, children programmes, research on reading and choice of books, etc not merely issue books like a postman. The generator needs to be put in order immediately without any excuse , specially due to frequent power breaks and to avoid inconvenience to library users.
