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Hossainur Rahman speaks at the Purbachal library foundation day. Picture by Saradindu Chaudhury
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A pledge of a gift added a sparkle to the 18th foundation day celebration of Purbachal Sadharon Pathagar. At the programme organised by Purbachal Central Committee, local councillor Minu Chakraborty promised a grant of Rs 1 lakh for modernisation of the library. Educationist Hossainur Rahman was the chief guest.
Librarian Bela Banerjee thanked the councillor while recalling how residents had donated unstintedly for the library to start. “Even recently, a neighbour donated Rs 10,000 to buy an almirah and books in his sister’s memory. Another gave an aluminium ladder.” The Purbachal Central Committee granted another Rs 25,000 for new books.
“The library, started in 1995, now has about 400 members,” says Ashit Maitra, 88, one of the key people running the library. A discount in membership fee was offered for enrolment on the day, which was availed by 14 new members. The library usually charges Rs 250 for new membership and Rs 100 for renewal. There is also a life membership scheme for Rs 650.
The councillor, Banerjee added on Monday, had already delivered some chairs and tables from the library committee’s wish list. “We are waiting for her to fulfil our other requests for book shelves, a computer, a vacuum cleaner and a water purifier.”
Poulami Adhikari, daughter of library staffer Prabir Adhikari, recited poems as did guest elocutionist Bimal Konar while Archana Bagchi, 78, a resident of Purbachal for 21 years who has recently shifted, and Nilima Dutta of Cluster VIII sang Rabindrasangeet.
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