Printed matter richer than swipes, taps and reels
The Hindu
Madurai libraries strive to revive reading culture amidst digital distractions, offering diverse collections and engaging activities for all.
Though one cannot refute the importance of libraries and books in nurturing society, it has also become equally irrefutable that spike in usage of mobile phones and other digital devices is destroying reading habit, particularly, among the younger generation.
Madurai, popularly known for Sangam literature, was also once famous for its reading societies set up in nooks and corners of the city enabling people to read and discuss the works.
While such reading societies are nowhere to be seen anymore, on a postivie note it can be said that libraries have taken over the space. In addition to the recently opened Kalaignar Centenary library, Madurai district has a total of 64 libraries.
Out of 64 libraries, there is one district central library, 21 branch libraries, 19 village libraries and 23 part-time libraries. With around 12,400 registered users, there are about 95,000 books, said sources.
While this sounds encouraging, the active library users have dwindled sharply owing to obvious reasons like mobile phone usage, poor book collections, access to libraries, etc.
School and college going students access libraries in their institutions, but once they were visiting libraries for unique and rare collections of books, particularly novels and magazines. Now, librarians say, students, barring very few, care about the existence of magazines and novels.