Malayalam University sets up rural library

MALAPPURAM: The Malayalam University has come up with an ambitious project to reach out to the rural younger generation on its neighbourhood. It has adopted Yuvajana Vayanasala in the nearby village of Padiyam for a complete makeover. The university plans to convert it into a model rural library with state of the art facilities. Former Indian head of the British Council Library P. Jayarajan is the brain behind the project. “The project is meant to convert a typical rural library into a model one with the help of our expertise and support which also can be replicated anywhere," he said. "We will take it to the next level according to changing reading habits.”

The project is expected to complete in six months. The 460 sq ft ill-maintained facility will become a centre for various services and community activities once renovation is over. The project has the support of the Kolkata-based Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation under the Union culture ministry. Various online services will also be made available to the model library, he said. A multipurpose mini hall will also be set up on its first floor. “The library has no proper leadership to manage it now. The University will also train them and build a strong team,” he said. The model library will also have a special section for the children with books and audiovisual materials to attract rural folks deprived of such facilities.