THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is now an unmanned library at the point where the two bridges of Kundamankadavu diverge. It is just a bookshelf with not more than 20 books. Other than the shelf, the tiny triangular patch holds two benches and a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. One can mistake it for a small venture, but the idea behind it is large. Many people were dumping waste by the side of the bridge. It is to curb this that we thought of putting together a park and a reading space. The idea was discussed at a meeting convened by I. B. Satheesh MLA, and the people helped put it into practice,” says Vilappil panchayat member R. B. Bijudas.
The library was inaugurated on August 15. It functions as a branch of ‘Ente Pustakam’ library at Kakkulam junction, of which Bijudas is an active member. Its librarian Nisha Rajesh occasionally visits the library to change the collection. “Those who are out in the morning for a walk stop by, to rest on the benches and read the papers,” she says. The government and the panchayath did not have to spend a single penny so far, as the public has contributed the furniture and the bust.
The books which come from ‘Ente Pustakam’ are also people’s contributions. Mr Bijudas says every book at the main library was contributed by the residents. Since there is no roof, nor shade-giving trees, it is not possible to sit there after the sun goes up. Ms Nisha says saplings have been planted, which in some years would grow into trees. After Onam, a high-mast light will be erected using the MLA’s Local Area Development Fund. “After this, people will be able to read in the evenings,” she says.
