After completion of B. Tech, P. Likhith is busy preparing for bank exam. He has been searching for a distraction-free corner to settle down with a book and is glad to find one.
For T. Padmaja, an MCA graduate, preparing for competitive exams at home turned out to be an impossible task as she could hardly stay focused. Soon, she discovered a noise-free study spot to read without any interruption.
Like Likhith and Padmja, a number of aspirants head to Visakhapatnam Public Library (VPL) and spend considerable time reading. “We pack lunch and snacks and reach the library at 9 a.m. The ambience lends a conducive atmosphere for us to prepare for the competitive exam till late in the evening,” said Likhith.
With tree-lined open space, a collection of over 50,000 books, adequate study material to refer to, many aspirants end up spending eight to 10 hours a day at the venue.
Located in Dwarakanagar, the renovated library now comprises air-conditioned mini hall of 50-seating capacity and another spacious hall with 180-seating arrangement, better lighting facility, a tastefully-done lobby, well-maintained toilets and comfortable furniture, among other additions.
After re-launching the library on Saturday, MP K. Haribabu said ₹50 lakh was released under MPLADS for further expansion of the building.
Sharing future plans with The Hindu, secretary of VPL Society D.S. Varma said the next step was to build the second floor, increase the existing stock of books to one lakh and provide more reading space on the campus.
“The aim is to provide suitable ambience for those who spend hours to sharpen their knowledge here everyday. Apart from accessing digital portals, facility will also be created for those who like to take online mock tests,” Mr. Varma said.
Appreciating the thoughtful initiative of the VPL Society, Municipal Commissioner M. Hari Narayanan, who joined the re-launch ceremony along with MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, promised support to the society members to help develop the infrastructure. He said books offer greater comfort and cannot be replaced by any gadget.
President of the society S. Vijay Kumar said the refurbishing was supported by a team of volunteers and philanthropists.