Mobile library to be resumed with high-tech touch

Will be stationed at 40 select wards; new extensions to be included

With high-tech being the latest buzzword, the century-old City Central Library is re-launching Kuvempu Sanchari Granthalaya, a library on wheels, but with modern gadgets. After a gap of four years, the mobile library is likely to hit the roads in December.

The mobile facility will cater to book lovers in 40 select wards, where there is no library facility, Deputy Director B Manjunath told Deccan Herald. Taking cognisance of the demand, even after the mobile library was stopped in the year 2011, the department thought of re-introducing the facility, he said.

Previously, a mini bus was converted into a library, now a bus has been modified. It will be air-conditioned and two racks — with a capacity to display 10,000 books — will be fitted, besides a audio-video system, DVD player and computerised office system. It will also be fitted with a Geographical Positioning System (GPS), so that authorities at the Central Library can monitor its movement.

The department is making judicious use of the monthly library cess, amounting to Rs 25 lakh, received from the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), he said.

The mobile library will be stationed in 40 wards against a total of 65 wards in the city, as 28 branch libraries are already functioning in 25 wards. As per the schedule, daily services will start at 10 am and close by 6 pm and the vehicle will halt at eight wards for half-an-hour each.

Previously, as many as 1,000 persons had obtained membership cards. However, only a few hundred active members made regular use of the facility. These earlier members can now surrender their older cards and obtain new plastic membership cards that will be issued for Rs 30. The new cards will be issued at the City Central Library office, he added.

Manjunath said barcode system has been introduced to ensure that books are in safe hands. Once a book is availed, members may keep it for free for 15 days, but they have to wait for at least a week after the issue date to return it. If not returned within 15 days, the member will have to pay a minimum amount per day as lending charges.

To ensure its success, letters were sent to corporators of the 40 wards and among them 12 have responded by suggesting places where the mobile library could be stationed, said Manjunath. Plans are also underway to include extension areas in the itinerary, he added.

The mobile library service was launched in the year 1984 and was named after poet Kuvempu as a tribute to the literary genius for being a proud member of the City Central Library.