VIJAYAWADA: In a bid to promote the habit of book reading among the public, Andhra Pradesh Library Association (APLA) will conduct a two-day book exhibition at the century-old Sarvothama Grandhalayam, near Benz circle in the city from April 22 to mark the World Book Day.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, APLA State secretary Dr Raavi Sarada said that as part of the two-day novel book fair, general public can take home a book of their choice and students can take home two books. Book lovers who are interested in participating in the fair can donate variety of books including the ones on competitive exams, personality development, general aptitude, comics, general knowledge, history, literature, research and some rare manuscripts, she said.
Sarada also said that library, which began with just 1,500 books now has a collection of 24,000 books and has become a favourite hangout for book lovers. She called upon the parents to inculcate the habit of reading books among their children at a tender age. The library which provides internet and digital library services is frequented by more than 150 people every day. In 2015, about 6,000 books were donated to the library and in 2016 the number increased to 50,000. This year we are expecting more books on different subjects, she added.
“The APLA was in the forefront in promoting book reading habit among the people. Nowadays, majority of the people are attracted to social networking sites due to technological developments and are neglecting books. But still there is a section of readers who understand the advantages of book reading,” Sarada said.
For further details regarding donation of books to the library, individuals can contact the Sarvothama Grandhalayam on phone numbers: 9393477313 and 0866-2472313, she added.
