VELLORE:A public library, built in 2010-11 under Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam (AGAMT) in Ariyur that was recently renovated, seems abandoned for the past year by the Vellore Corporation with the librarian rarely showing up.
Residents of Ariyur, (Ward 48) claim that the librarian even if he makes an appearance on the odd day,closes it within an hour of opening the library.
Earlier, our children would go and read books and newspapers in the evening hours, but it has not been so for more than a year, said, Kumaresan, a resident of
Ariyur. Retirees and senior citizens in the locality are also affected by the closure, claiming that the local library was the only place where they could spend time during the day. “I used to assemble with friends in the library to spend the day reading short stories and newspapers. But, now we miss that. Hopefully someone will take the necessary steps to re-open the library,” said a 65-year-old senior citizen in Ariyur.
Ward Councillor A G Pandiyan said, “I have petitioned the Corporation Commissioner and Municipality engineer, but nothing has changed as of now. Many people have asked me to ensure that the librarian keep the library open on a daily basis, but I have no option except to wait for the local body to act.”
Rejecting the Councillor’s view, a senior official in the Corporation said, “We have not received any petition from either the Councillor or the residents. But, we will look into this issue and rectify it as soon as possible.”