"I was impressed by the British Library in Thiruvananthapuram.So, when the District Cooperative Bank headquarters was established in Kakkanad, we offered them the top-floor of the building to start a branch. However, they were not interested. This prompted us to start a new library on our own,” says M M Monayi, ex-MLA.
This was the beginning of the EMS Co-operative Library, one of the biggest libraries in Kerala today.
The library that started out as a humble venture in 1999, with just 5,000 books, has become one of the most sought-out literary hubs in Kerala, with about 85,000 books and 9,500 members.
Now, almost 13 years later, the library has evolved into a hub of learning and literary activities.
There are books in English, Malayalam, Hindi, and other Indian languages, besides periodicals.
The library is up-to-date on technological advancements and has an Internet centre for providing readers with access to the latest development in all fields.
Another facility is the Library for the Visually Challenged. “It is the first of its kind in Kerala,” says Monayi.
It contains books in Braille, textreading machines, and magnification software.
“Besides the books, we cater to the interests of different sections of society,” says A I Varghese, General Manager of the bank as well as Chief Executive of the library.
“These include chess club, literary discussions and debates on second Saturdays, and vacation classes for students.”
It also has an Internet and gaming centre for children. The members are from all over Kerala.
“This is because we have a large collection of literature as well as reference books,” says Monayi.
The reference book collection is impressive.
“One student, who bagged a rank in her BA examinations, with the help of our reference section wrote a letter of appreciation,” says Varghese. The public turnout is also good.
“The library is filled with people, especially on holidays,” he says.
Aparna Jayakumar, one of the members, says, “There are a large number of books. However, I would like even more books to be added.”
Another member says that though the collection of books is commendable, they are sometimes mixed up and difficult to find.
“The library should really do something about this,” he says. The library has also become a role model for other co-operative institutions.
“Following the example of our library, the last government has made it mandatory for all co-operative sector undertakings to have a library,” says Varghese.
The library is named after EMS Namboothiripad, the first Communist Chief Minister of Kerala, who was an avid reader and respected intellectual.
However, the fact that it is named after EMS does not affect the readership at all, according to Varghese.
“The purpose of this organisation is non-political and religious neutrality,” he says. It is equally popular among people of all political or religious inclinations.
"Administrative positions have been held by eminent personalities of different political backgrounds,” he says. The bank is diligent in updating the library.
“New books are added often,” says Varghese.
“In fact, up to Rs 10 lakhs is spent each year on maintaining and updating the books.”
The library is funded solely by the bank profits. Meanwhile, there are also plans for expansion.
“We have already purchased 25 cents of land,” says Varghese.
“Books are coming all the time. We hope the work will be completed in three years.”