A public library adjacent to the mausoleum of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara, Gopalganj, is helping develop the reading habit in locals and is introducing them to the ideology, life, and sacrifices made by the father of the nation.
The library has over nine thousand books, 300 of which are concerning Bangabandhu. Apart from that, its collection includes other books related to the 1971 War of Independence, religion, literature, and academics. Books for children, news dailies, and other magazines, also enrich the quality of the library.
Other than Fridays and government holidays, the library remains open all week. Being fully air conditioned, the facility offers a comfortable environment for its readers and the place has a separate corner for children. Subscription plans are also available for those who wish to become library members.
Sources said the library was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2001, when it was placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. However, it closed soon after in the same year, but was opened again in 2007 and the government took special initiatives for the development of the library in 2017.
On a visit to the library this correspondent found that people often find it difficult to find a seat. The library remains packed most of the time when it is open. Readers were happy with the photocopy corner and Wifi coverage in the place.
A fifth grade student, Shreya Ghorami, of Khan Shaheb Sheikh Mosharrof Hossain School and College, praised the book collection offered in the kids corner and said the more books she read about the liberation war, the more she is interested in the topic.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University student Sajid Arman said: “The library has a wide collection of local and international books, so it’s a really enjoyable experience for me to come here. Once I am here I find it hard to leave because of the calm and pleasant environment. However, often there aren’t enough seats for everyone.”
The Librarian, JogendranathBaroi, said: “The library was modernised for its readers. We are trying our best to provide top quality service. If the children’s corner is separated from the library, I think it will be beneficial for other readers as well as the guardians of our young readers.”