The Kirama Public Library which is managed by the Katuwana Pradeshiya Sabha in the Hambantota district has been in a deteriorated condition for a long time.
The library established in 1978 lacks books on current affairs, books required by school children appearing for public examinations and English and Information Technology books, S.D. Karunaratne a long-standing member of the library, said.
He charged that the books were not arranged in a methodical manner based on the Dewey decimal classification system practised in many public libraries.
According to records more than 80,000 ordinary members use the library annually. M.Siriyawathie, a resident of Kirama expressed concern that the physical resources of the library had not been expanded to meet the increasing demand for library facilities in the last three decades.
M. Thilini, a member of the readers’ society said that the library building was in a state of disrepair due to neglect and misuse.
“The roof needs immediate attention or else the books and reading materials would be destroyed,” he said. Librarian in-charge P.Jayatunge said that the hardships faced by members could be minimised if adequate furniture and at least three ceiling fans were provided.
Katuwana Pradeshiya Sabha chairman U.G.Gamage said that the council generates only a poor income but there were plans to improve the library. |
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