New steps Can Revive City Libraries
To create greater attraction towards libraries in Amritsar city, there is a need for innovation and fresh ideas. A centralized digital library app for all city libraries should be established to enable online browsing of books and resources. Safe-access lockers can be introduced for collecting reserved books after regular hours. Operating hours should also be extended, especially for students preparing for competitive examinations. In addition, a mobile library van should be launched for suburban areas like New Amritsar to serve residents who are unable to visit central libraries regularly.
Sucha Singh Sagar Bullowal
Most facilities need better infrastructure
It is quite surprising to discover that the city has a good number of libraries. Before the development of Heritage Street in the heart of the city, many people were familiar with Moti Lal Nehru Library at Town Hall and Sohan Singh Josh Library near the District Courts. These libraries mainly catered to general readers. Unfortunately, libraries have gradually lost their charm among the tech-savvy generation. The problem does not lie with Gen Z, but rather with the unattractive condition of the city’s libraries. Perhaps they are not centrally located or are situated in areas where readers hesitate to visit. We are often in the habit of glorifying our past by referring to the famous libraries of Takshila, Nalanda and Vikramshila universities. However, such admiration is meaningless if we fail to attract today’s readers to our libraries. There is certainly something lacking in the libraries of Amritsar. Their infrastructure may be outdated or unsuitable according to the needs and tastes of the public. To make libraries reader-friendly, they should be located at strategic points and equipped with modern facilities such as internet access, updated books, magazines, periodicals and newspapers. Xerox and printing facilities should also be readily available. There should be separate corners for teenagers and senior citizens to sit and read comfortably. There is no harm in providing reading material to young readers according to their interests and preferences. No one should adopt a pedantic attitude towards them. Similarly, libraries should not expect senior citizens to read only outdated religious literature. Open shelves and spacious reading areas should be encouraged. Online reading sessions or screenings of selected films during specific hours can attract more readers. Competitions related to library attendance and book issuance can also increase participation. Book fairs and library-related functions may further enhance public interest. There are countless creative and convenient ways to attract readers and even simple measures adopted at the earliest can significantly increase footfall in libraries. Such efforts can help in the better utilisation of this generally neglected yet valuable resource for human upliftment.
Madhu Sharma
Parents must gift books to children
My memories of visiting Town Hall Library as a student reflect a beautiful culture of reading that many young people today are unfortunately missing. During the 1960s, the public library at Town Hall was the centre of learning, curiosity and self-growth when we were students at Government School Town Hall, Amritsar. Modern libraries are now more attractive because of facilities such as better seating arrangements, improved lighting, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, digital access, computers and e-books. To make libraries popular once again, educational institutions should make one weekly library period compulsory for every class. During this period, students should read newspapers, discuss books, write summaries and share reviews. Teachers have a strong influence on students and should recommend at least one good book every month beyond textbooks. Parents must also develop reading habits at home and gift books instead of expensive gadgets to children. To share a personal example, some of us have formed a study group of senior citizens and we meet once every week to study together either a motivational or religious book for at least one hour. Libraries are not merely buildings filled with books; they are places where minds are shaped and futures are built.
Prof BD Sharma
Qualified staff needed to look after these
A nodal centralized agency is needed to look after the affairs of libraries in the holy city. Libraries located at various places lack proper infrastructural facilities. This unfortunate situation has resulted in declining readership in Amritsar’s libraries. These libraries do not have sufficient stocks of new books, magazines, and newspapers on subjects such as health, religion, science and literature, which has further reduced reader attendance. There is also an urgent need for qualified and well-versed librarians and staff members. Instead of maintaining numerous scattered libraries, two well-equipped libraries — one for the inner city and another for the outer city periphery — may be sufficient to encourage reading habits among different sections of society. For better and more effective management, NGOs, principals of reputed schools, and colleges should be involved to share their expertise in the field of library administration. Awareness campaigns and membership drives should also be launched through social media to promote reading habits and encourage the use of libraries among the general public.
Anil Vinayak
Reading pods can spark curiosity
Amritsar’s libraries can become vibrant hubs by blending heritage with modern needs. Free Wi-Fi, digital catalogues and self-issue kiosks should be installed at libraries near the Golden Temple, Town Hall and New Amritsar for greater convenience. Comfortable reading pods, children’s corners and Sikh history zones at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama can spark creativity and curiosity among readers. Evening hours should be extended, a unified library card system introduced and book-drop boxes installed across the city. Weekly author talks, book clubs and workshops at places like Guru Ramdas Nagar can strengthen community engagement. Better lighting, improved seating and café-style kiosks can make libraries more inviting for readers of all age groups while preserving Amritsar’s rich literary heritage.
Shaheen P Parshad
Professional staff need of the hour
Though different pockets of Amritsar are home to libraries, some also introduced within the last two years by the Aam Aadmi Party but sadly most of them are being run without basic enthusiasm. The libraries should have well-trained staff members who are really passionate about books and are keen to keep the library creative. Pandit Nehru Library in the Town Hall, one of the oldest in the city (managed by Municipal Corporation) has a very unprofessional staff and there’s no check on it. I have personally spotted staff members there indulged in long and loud phone calls, knitting sweaters and even loudly entertaining their friends from the neighbourhood. The books are there but from another century and fully enveloped in dust. Coming to the newest library which opened more than a month ago near Shadeedan Sahib Gurudwara, it neither has any provision of drinking water nor any newspapers –the simple basics. When it comes to books, every section simply divided into English, Hindi and Punjabi has just about fifty books each with a very poor choice. At the District Library in the District Administration Complex, new computers have been kept covered in plastic covers for more than a year. When will the readers get access? Their choice of books is also poor and does not offer a choice of any latest and high quality magazines from travel to food and more. If the government really wants to keep the libraries creative and inviting, other than trained and enthusiastic staff, it should ensure that each library is open to feedback from locals as good ideas can come from anyone. I personally feel that every library should also have a discussion room, silent cabins for writing work as certain assignments require complete silence and plans for literary activities such as inviting authors to connect with the readers. Future libraries should be considered in a park which will invite more readers and when nature is right outside, it can be a perfect platform for breaks from reading or writing sessions. Thankfully, the library at the Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Panorama is one of them but it surely needs a richer collection of books and magazines. Several months ago, the librarian did make a list of books as suggested by readers but those books are yet to arrive. Most importantly, let’s not forget libraries play a crucial role in building the minds of the citizens. They should be taken seriously.
Rameshinder Singh Sandhu
Appoint regular staff immediately
It is extremely unfortunate that in the present age of mobile phones and the internet, most people, especially the younger generation, are moving away from reading literary books, newspapers, and magazines. However, district and block-level libraries can play a significant role in motivating people to read quality books. Due to the lack of proper attention from the Amritsar district administration towards the maintenance of libraries over the past several years and because of repeated relocations, regular readers have faced serious inconvenience. In particular, after the library was shifted from Rani Da Bagh to the old DC office, the number of visitors declined drastically. Readers now face several difficulties. They have to pay parking fees, seating arrangements are inadequate and regular staff is unavailable. For the past 12 years, the library had been managed by only one volunteer, Tarlok Chand, under the supervision of Swaroop Rani Girls College. He too retired three months ago. Therefore, the district administration should immediately appoint regular staff for libraries. Mass awareness campaigns promoting reading habits should be launched among children, youth, students, and women through social media and motivational advertisements at public places. People must understand that the accurate knowledge, scientific awareness, inspiration and moral values gained through quality books cannot be acquired in the same meaningful way through mobile phones, laptops, or computers. Libraries should, therefore, be equipped with a large collection of books related to national and international knowledge, science, philosophy, literature, history, scientific temper and moral values.
Sumeet Singh
Set up extended-hour study spaces
Amritsar has a good number of libraries; however, there is a noticeable shortage of private 24X7 self-study libraries compared with cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and even Jalandhar. Private libraries offer several advantages for students, including flexible timings, separate study sections, lockers, parking facilities and a more focused academic environment, usually available through paid memberships. In Amritsar, most libraries operate for only 10 to 12 hours daily and remain closed on Sundays and government holidays. Considering that there are approximately 74 non-working days in a year, including Sundays and Punjab as well as Central Government holidays in 2026, students face difficulty maintaining consistent study schedules. Therefore, the local administration and private investors should explore the development of more flexible and extended-hour study spaces in the city. The recent initiative by the Punjab Government, such as the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Library in Amritsar, is a positive step in this direction.
Manthan
Smart libraries can inspire readers
Libraries in Amritsar can become vibrant knowledge and cultural hubs by combining traditional reading spaces with modern digital facilities. Smart libraries equipped with free Wi-Fi, e-books, QR-based catalogues, digital membership cards and mobile apps can help readers easily access books and research material. Audio-visual corners featuring documentaries, educational films, podcasts and virtual heritage tours related to Punjab’s history and literature can attract both youth and tourists alike. Interactive programmes such as book discussions, storytelling sessions, poetry recitals, career guidance talks, and workshops with authors, historians, and artists should be organised regularly. Separate creative zones for children with smart boards, activity-based learning, and reading games can encourage greater interest among young readers. Comfortable seating, proper lighting, clean surroundings, and café-style discussion areas will make libraries more welcoming. Libraries should also use social media and online event calendars to connect with readers and encourage greater community participation in the holy city’s literary culture.
Dr Astha
Book-reading contests can draw young readers
Having libraries in different parts of the city is indeed a wonderful initiative. However, transforming them into vibrant centres of educational and cultural activities requires a dynamic and imaginative approach. A library should not remain merely a quiet place for reading books and newspapers, frequented mainly by retired senior citizens. It can become a lively community space that nurtures learning, creativity and social interaction for people of all age groups. For young children, weekly storytelling sessions can be organised where engaging storytellers bring stories to life and spark imagination among tiny tots. Painting and drawing workshops under the guidance of skilled artists can also become enjoyable activities for both children and senior citizens. Book-reading competitions can attract young readers and cultivate the habit of reading. Small prizes or mementoes may be awarded to encourage participation and appreciation. Libraries may also collaborate with local booksellers to organise exhibitions of newly released books, which book lovers always welcome enthusiastically. In addition, monthly lectures on interesting and socially relevant topics can draw eager audiences and promote intellectual discussions within the community. Such programmes give people something meaningful to look forward to and help libraries emerge as centres of lifelong learning. Of course, transforming a library into a thriving educational and cultural hub requires more than infrastructure alone. It also needs a cheerful and enthusiastic chief librarian along with a cooperative staff committed to welcoming people and organising engaging programmes with warmth and dedication.
Dr Akashdeep Singh
Modern Amenities Can Increase Readership
Libraries across the holy city of Amritsar suffer from a shortage of qualified staff and basic amenities. The 105-year-old Pandit Moti Lal Nehru Municipal Library houses a rare collection of more than 20,000 books. According to available information, prominent personalities such as former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and literary icon Saadat Hasan Manto once studied in this historic and literary heritage library. However, the unfortunate reality is that only about 10 per cent of the required staff has been appointed, while facilities such as air-conditioning are also inadequate. The Amritsar Municipal Corporation authorities should make serious efforts to digitise all books, biographies, and rare newsletters for preservation. The District Library, currently functioning in the old Deputy Commissioner’s office, faces a similar situation. Due to the shortage of qualified staff and modern amenities, only a small number of readers are able to benefit from the valuable collection of books related to various subjects and literature. Education is the most powerful tool for shaping individuals into educated, cultured and responsible citizens. Therefore, the Punjab Government and the Amritsar MC must appoint adequate staff and provide modern facilities in all city libraries so that these literary institutions can attract a larger number of readers.
Kulwant Singh Ankhi
Reading culture needs scientific temper
It is very important for every individual to read books, magazines and newspapers in order to gain knowledge, gather information and find solutions to everyday problems. Many of our questions can be answered through quality books and meaningful reading. In complete contrast, the social environment around us is often more inclined towards religious rituals, prayers and visits to religious places rather than developing the habit of reading books in libraries. In this regard, the people of Amritsar appear to be deeply religious, while interest in reading remains limited. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to develop a scientific temper among the public to motivate people towards libraries and books. This responsibility should be undertaken jointly by the Department of Languages, Punjab, and the officials of the local administration.
Damanjit Kaur
What’s the Issue
Despite having a number of public libraries, only a handful of people come here. The city has public libraries at Golden Temple, Town Hall, New Amritsar, Guru Ramdas Nagar, former DC office, Katra Bhai Sant Singh chowk and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama. How can these be made creative, convenient and inviting to the readers?
QUESTION for next week Over the years, successive governments took several measures to contain, if not eliminate, the practice of farm fires. Rising mercury, large-scale deforestation during the past decades and omission of any long-term planning to plant trees is telling heavily on people and immediate environment. What steps should be taken by the government to tackle stubble burning and protect the environment? Suggestions in not more than 150 words can be sent to amritsardesk@tribunemail.com by Thursday (May 14)
