An open air library inside Mecca Darwazah, the Raichur fort, is drawing people’s attention. Unique in its concept, this library has been praised to no end by none other than Mr P Y Rajendra Kumar, director of the State Department of Library.

Till five years ago, the open space within the four walls of the Raichur fort near the city bus stand was used as an open toilet and a garbage dumpyard by hotels and petty shops around it. However, the then Deputy Commissioner Ashok Dalwai took the initiative to get the area cleaned up and restore the dilapidated structure of the fort walls to its original shape.

Though a gate was fixed at its entrance to prevent the entry of public, the open space was used for Independence day and Republic day celebrations. But soon after the transfer of Mr Dalwai, the gate fixed to the entrance was pulled down by vandals and the area was again turned into an open toilet and a garbage dumpyard.

Once again, the district administration intervened and converted the space into an open air public library which was formally inaugurated on January 26, 2008. While this public library is jointly maintained by the district administration and the city central library, the city municipality has provided water and electricity to the library and has taken up the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness around it.

This public library subscribes to many leading newspapers and magazines. Nearly 300-350 people visit the library everyday, which is open from 8.30 am to 11.30 am and again from 4 pm to 6.30 pm