North Corpn gives world-class dream to public library

After many years of neglect, the 100-year-old municipal library in Chandni Chowk area, is all set to get a new look.

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to turn the Hardayal Municipal Public Library, which has a number of original Mughal and British-era books, into a world-class facility.

The civic agency has sent a proposal to the union government and set an estimate of Rs 5 crore to revamp the library. “Though we have demanded Rs 5 crore, but there is a possibility that the centre may sanction more money,” said Mayank Sharma, additional commissioner (Finance), North Corporation on Wednesday.

He added that the Consent Project Report (CPR) will be prepared and sent to the union government soon.

Comfort and facilities

“We will first try to restore and preserve the historic building to its architectural glory. And after that, we will renovate the library in order to provide all the comfort and facilities to the people visiting it,” said Mayank.

“There are some Mughal-era books which are nowhere in the country. We would try to digitise the rare collection of books present here,” he added.

To provide easy access to public, the library will be upgraded to the modern equipments like electronic swipe machines.

“The civic agency mulls over giving concession to old age people and children in their membership cards,” added Mayank.

But the newly-appointed library secretary, Shobha Vijender Gupta’s priority is to settle other issues.

“I would want to look into the non-payment of salaries to the employees,” said the councillor from Rohini Zone.

“The librarians and attendants have not been paid for over a period of six months. I want to sought out this issue first.”

The library was originally called Hardinge Library, which has over 1.5 lakh books including around 8,000 tomes, like a compilation of Mahabharata written in Persian and illustrated in gold.