With books for the company

Library plays an important role in enriching knowledge and shaping the character. , Photo Credit: Sreejith R. Kumar

BIn the late 1970s Ack was proud to be a public library run by a large government in our small town. Settled in one corner of our school premises, it operates from eight in the morning to eight in the evening, there is a four -hour break in the middle. The library was chaired by a highly respected librarian-a reserved Gandhiian in his medieval century, always wore a neatly pressed white kurta and dhoti.

Whenever they had free time, they were found deeply engrossed in a book at their desk. From time to time, he wakes up and patrols the corridors, as if one is involved in an examination. Even fainting fainted seemed to attract his attention, so we children were forced to maintain complete silence – quite unnatural status for us.

There was very little inclination for interaction in adults absorbed in newspapers and magazines, so the library was naturally quiet. We school-class boys, often sent to the library by our parents, still struggled to remain silent. Sometimes, we were tasked by our parents to borrow books, which is equipped with a small chit, which is listed to the title to borrow or return.

My friends and I felt as if we were being punished whenever our parents insisted that we spend weekends or holidays in the library. They wanted us there for clear reasons, but at that age, we loved the playground very much. Leaving the library was not an option, because we were afraid that the librarian or its assistant would report our absence to our parents – or even to the school headmaster.

At times, it seemed that the librarian and their assistants took their roles a little seriously; Even a little noise will make us a harsh dazzle. Sometimes, we forgot ourselves and spoke a little very loudly, their annoyance and much for other readers. Being young, we became easily distracted, especially when the task of reading the autobiography of great men, which was raised by hand by the librarian.

The library was spacious in itself, but appeared tight, filled under benches with ghani sacks – some new arrival, other books are lucky for disposal. The walls were decorated with paintings of freedom fighters and intellectuals, the place was lent an air of purity. I had sometimes imagined that if I wasted time there, the figures in those pictures would drown on me; My innocent mind nurtured his own strange fear.

As I graduated from primary to high school, I started visiting my own library. By then, it had become a joyful habit, thanks to the encouragement of my parents and librarians. My respect for librarian and their assistants increased – not out of fear, as before, but by real praise. When I discussed books with him, his passion and insight inspired me. It was there that I never went to know for the pleasure of reading.

Specific books recommended by Librarian changed my reading habits, mainly there were autobiography of great men. These selections, though were challenging at first, gradually attracted me into the reading world and helped me develop a permanent praise for literature. Librarian’s choice made me aware of stories of flexibility, leadership and moral courage, which not only made my perspective wider, but also inspired the discipline and curiosity necessary for lifetime learning.

The library and its employees played an important role in enriching my knowledge and shaping my character. Today, I can say with confidence that I honor a library as a place of worship.

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