(Kartik Sharma)/Diary Times, Shimla
Library Infrastructure Woes in Ward 31, Pateog, Shimla
The library in Ward 31, Pateog, New Shimla, has been the sole government infrastructural hub for students, researchers, and the community seeking knowledge and a peaceful study space. Despite its small area, the problem becomes worsened when its deteriorating infrastructure and lack of essential facilities raise serious concerns among its users.
Students have voiced their dissatisfaction over inadequate seating arrangements and the absence of proper furniture, such as almirahs and bookshelves, which disturbs the library’s functionality. Despite being a vital community resource, the library struggles to accommodate its growing number of visitors due to these shortcomings.
Additionally, students are particularly troubled by the library’s inability to provide a warm environment during Shimla’s harsh winters. With no heating system in place, even a small heater, the cold, shady room becomes a more challenging space for a focused study during the winter months.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ward 31’s counselor, Mrs. Asha Sharma, has been a voice, to address the issue of tomorrow’s meritorious students.
Read More: “A Chapter Unwritten: Locals React to Book House Delay”
In a formal application to the Joint Commissioner, she highlighted the urgent need for furniture and storage solutions to improve the library’s functionality. In her letter, she emphasized, “The library, which serves as an important resource for students, researchers, and the community, currently lacks adequate furniture to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. There is an urgent requirement for furniture. The absence of proper seating and storage is hindering the library’s potential to serve the public effectively.”
However, during a discussion with the Diary Times team, it was pointed out that the letter missed addressing the lack of a heating system. Mrs. Sharma acknowledged the oversight and assured the matter would also be raised in her follow-up communication.
The library’s situation calls for immediate attention to ensure it can fulfill its role as a community knowledge center. With the combined efforts of local representatives and public support, the library can be transformed into a more welcoming and functional space for all.
Read More: Voice of the Creatives: The Quartet’s Successful Venture
Outdated banners are still placed outside the Library
Advertisements from the election commission that have expired are still displayed on the library walls, demonstrating the disregard for the community and its representatives. The Diary Times’s team has proposed that an advertisement on the SDGs or something similar should be displayed instead, depending on the time and circumstance.
Read More: Neha Dixit Performs Mesmerizingly at the Gothic Hall, Shimla
Kartik Sharma is a postgraduate from HPU who calls himself a slow learner but a curious researcher. He loves diving deep into topics like nature, music, bizarre stories, and counter-culture movements. If it’s unusual or thought-provoking, Kartik is sure to have an opinion on it. He works as a journalist for Diary Times, balancing his passion for unbiased reporting with his knack for getting ldigging out something with a different news angle. Kartik is also an environmentalist, running initiatives to tackle waste and feed those in need, proving that actions speak louder than headlines. Inspired by his dream to make his dad proud, Kartik writes with heart, humor, and a love for all things unique—though sometimes his stories take longer because he’s busy chasing the next big idea!
