Madurai :

Stepping into the library of the Pandiyan Nedunchezhiyan Corporation Higher Secondary School in Madurai, one does not get the feeling of visiting a library situated inside a corporation school. Equipped with air conditioners, modern furniture, cushioned executive chairs, the library provides a perfect atmosphere for the children to kindle their reading habits. With only 466 books in 2009, the library now grown up leaps and bounds with more than 8,000 books in its collection. Thanks to the efforts of the librarian, K Kanagadurga, who joined in 2009 on a consolidated pay, the number of books not only increased, but it also imbibed reading habits among many students.

Philanthropists, who recently visited the library were taken aback by the maintenance were assured their contribution to the library to increase the books. A group of them had donated 1,032 books to the library. At a function organized in the library to felicitate the donors on Monday evening, V V Rajan Chellappa, mayor, Madurai Corporation took part. Speaking on the occasion, he said that people should take cue from the donors and give back to the society.

With two periods allocated for library for the 300-odd students in the school, the librarian is proud to say that 90% of the children are now fond of using the library books. Apart from the students belonging to the school, students from other schools in the surrounding areas are also benefited.

“When the book fair was held recently in Madurai, I thought of using the opportunity to equip the library with new books. I contacted some of the philanthropists. They were impressed when they visited the library and offered to contribute the books,” Kanagadurga said.

The library has books covering most of the subjects required for the students. Interesting simple scientific facts’ related books, history, biographies, autobiographies of eminent people are also available, she said.

“The most important thing is to attract the students to the library with simple books that are enjoyable to read. The books should be attractive so that children at least take and flip through them and discover the contents,” she said.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / TNN / November 13th, 2013