KOCHI: ‘Reading maketh a full man’, wrote Francis Bacon and Kochiites seem to be chewing and digesting his words. The reading habit which was on the ebb is fast picking up going by the surge in people frequenting libraries and book shops.
Thanks to their intense membership drive last year, over 1,500 people became members of the grand old library in the state: The Ernakulam Public Library on Convent Road.
But, the younger EMS Cooperative Library in Kakkanad stands on a higher pedestal. Last year, with 11,000 members, it surpassed the 144-year old Public Library in terms of membership - within 15 years of its inception.
To cater to the needs of the people, the libraries are also undergoing a facelift. With the growing number of readers who make use of the reading room for research-related to competitive exams, the annual general body meet of the Public Library recently decided to renovate and modernise its reading and reference rooms.
The library officials said it expects to secure funding of `30 lakh to `35 lakh from public institutions for the purpose. The Public Library is slowly going digital; they have introduced a system by which users can renew the books via email.
In tune with the diverse interests of the readers, libraries are becoming more than book shelves. While smaller libraries such as Changampuzha Smaraka Library at Edappally lays importance to organising weekly cultural events, the Public Library is rather limited to regular screening of films based on literature.
But the most interesting trend in the overflowing membership ledgers of libraries is the share of school students joining them. The numbers tell that almost 70 to 75 per cent of the new members in EMS Cooperative Library Kakkanad are kids aged below 16 years.
According to Rajesh, librarian at the EMS, the turnout is largely attributed to anxious parents who want to guide teens towards the emergence of knowledge economy. But many, he says, return home with the desire to leaf through books of their favourite authors.
The branches of community library chains that have spread across India are also becoming popular in Kochi. Take the case of ‘Just Books’ at Panamppilly Nagar. Around 14,000 to 15,000 books are available on rent at ‘Just Books’. Not only can you spot the newest and popular books from the title list but also get them delivered home.
Also, book lovers can be seen frequenting second-hand book shops like ‘Blossoms’ on Press Club Road, where you would get popular titles of even last year at a throwaway prices.
Unfortunately, the reading wave is restricted to the city, says ex-MLA and District Library Council head John Fernades.
“The city has 423 libraries in total. While there is a positive change in libraries in the city, many of the libraries in our suburbs are in need of basic facilities,” he said.