Manikganj District Public Library wrestling with multiple problems

The Manikganj District Public Library is grappling with numerous challenges, including infrastructure decay, manpower shortage, and a poor location; all of which are seriously hampering its operation.

Despite housing more than 38,000 books, the library continues to suffer from a serious lack of readers. Authorities say they are trying various initiatives to attract visitors, but with little success.

Located on 33 decimals of land in Beutha area of Manikganj municipality, the library was relocated to its own building in 2012 from a rented space on Shaheed Rafiq Road.

It currently has seating arrangements for about 150 readers and a collection of over 38,000 books. However, the building's condition is deplorable, with cracks having appeared in many places, and of the two toilets, one is completely unusable while the other is in poor condition.

The library also faces an acute shortage of staff. Out of eight approved positions, only five are filled. The absence of a book sorter, night guard, and cleaner has made regular operation difficult. Additionally, being located about 1.5 kilometers away from the town centre discourages many students due to increased travel costs. Absence of a prominent signboard at the entrance further adds to public unawareness about its location.

A visit to the library revealed visible cracks in nearly every room. The toilets are unhygienic and barely usable due to the absence of cleaning staff. On average, only 30 to 40 readers visit here daily; most of whom are young people coming to prepare for competitive exams. Despite these challenges, the library offers a children's corner, a Manikganj corner, and space for 150 readers. The authorities also said that work is underway to expand its online library services.

Nahidul Islam, a postgraduate in Computer Science and Engineering from Jahangirnagar University, said, "A public library is a vital institution that should be in the heart of the city. Because of its location on the outskirts, many students avoid coming here as it costs extra money and time."

Another reader, Mehenaj Akter Munni, expressed frustration about the building's condition. "There are cracks in almost every room. One of the rooms is in terrible shape. The two toilets have cracks, too, and only one is somehow being used by both male and female readers. The building is just 12 years old, but it looks much older, mainly due to poor construction quality," she said.

Shahanur Rahman, a regular visitor since 2019, said, "I've been coming here since my honors days at Debendra College. Most readers here are job seekers. The library has many books, but if it included more job-related resources, it would be more helpful."

Aleya Islam, another reader, added, "Since the library is about 1.5 kilometers from the town, I have to spend Tk20 to 30 for transportation. It's hard for students like me. I come by auto-rickshaw but walk back to save money. This travel expense is one big reason why the number of visitors is low."

Technical Assistant-Cataloguer Md Sofi Uddin Ahmed said, "I've been working here for about seven years. We keep 10 daily newspapers- both Bangla and English. In the past, many people came just to read newspapers, but now the number has decreased. Most of our regular readers are job aspirants. On average, around 30 to 40 readers come here daily, even though we have seating arrangements for 150."

Junior Librarian Halema Begum, who joined five years ago, said, "Cracks appeared in several rooms even before I joined. The room where I sit is most risky. During earthquakes, I feel so scared that the roof might collapse on us."

Columnist and senior journalist Suroj Khan noted, "A public library is not just a place for reading, it reflects the cultural spirit of a community. Today's young generation has drifted away from books because of the dominance of the internet. To increase readership, the library authorities should actively promote the library in schools and colleges and run engaging activities through social and traditional media."

Sheikh Rubel, Librarian (Assistant Director), said, "We are struggling mainly due to infrastructure damage, manpower shortage, and location issues. We have already informed the higher authorities in writing. Despite these limitations, we are conducting awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to attract more readers. Since I joined, we have organised book readings, essay writing, art competitions, and seminars."

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