The District Library of Baleswar is in a shambles as it is badly hit by staff crunch. For the last three months, the library is hardly opened for the readers to use it as the staff members including the librarian, the assistant librarian and the peon have retired.
Since September it has been running without staff. At times, the district culture office opens the library for one or two hours and then shuts it. Except newspapers, no book is issued from the shelf for reading, alleged a reader who is preparing for competitive exams. He alleged further that though the Culture Minister belongs to Baleswar district, the district library is in a pitiable condition.
Reports further added that the library built in the parental house of legendary poet Fakir Mohan Senapati was renovated and given a facelift a few years ago to attract readers. The library houses about 30,000 books; besides it acquires monthly journals and magazines. Sadly, as the library remains closed for most of the time, the readers, mainly the students and senior citizens find hardly any opportunity to avail the facility.
Reports further added that although equipment was purchased to make the library a smart one yet nothing has been done so far to recruit the required manpower. About Rs 4 lakh was spent to procure computers, scanners, printers and internet etc. to provide e-library facility, yet due to lack of use, the gadgets are gathering dust.
Regarding the issue, District Culture Officer Asish Kumar Sahu said the department was appraised regarding the vacancies of staff members and hoped that the manpower would be recruited soon.