Alappuzha: A large collection of over 50,000 books are lying neglected at the closed-down municipal library in Alappuzha, due to the negligence of the authorities. In August this year, the library was relocated to the building that formerly housed the municipal office. However, thousands of books still remain in the old premises, yet to be transported to the new facility.

The old library building, located at the municipal ground, was shut down after officials declared it unsafe. By then, the structure had developed severe damage, rendering it beyond repair. The walls, staircase, doors, windows, electrical wiring, chairs, and shelves were in a damaged state. 

Public and readers’ groups had earlier urged the municipality to renovate the heritage building after a portion of its roof collapsed in December 2023. Although Municipal Chairperson Sowmya Raj took the initiative to protect the building by including it in the heritage project, the plan has seen no follow-up action since.

Earlier, the library used to attract hundreds of visitors daily — including students and senior citizens — who came to read newspapers and magazines. However, once the building began to leak, the number of visitors dropped sharply, as there was hardly any place to sit without getting drenched.

Following complaints, authorities relocated the library to the old municipal office building. But the new space is extremely cramped— a single small room that can barely accommodate two desks besides the librarian’s table and chair. As a result, there are no facilities for readers to sit and browse newspapers.

The new library also lacks room to arrange books by category. "We are unable to take books of our choice. Several books which are still in the old library are getting damaged," said a member.

Thomas Kurien, chairman of Library Forum, a collective of readers, alleged a move to destroy the municipal library. "The library will attract no readers if it is shifted to a location away from the heart of the town. The upper floor of the Lalithakala Akademi building in the centre of the town has a large hall. The municipal library could be temporarily shifted there," he said.

Kurien also said that the municipality should return the funds allotted to renovate the library which it had diverted to meet other expenses. "The authorities took no action even though the old library building was on the verge of collapse for the last two years," he said.

Responding to the issue, chairman of the public works standing committee of the municipality M R Prem said that the municipality had initiated measures to renovate the old library building. "But the fund allotted was insufficient. Now, the adequate amount is available. However, no contractor has shown interest in the work," he said.