Visitors at the book fair in Ranchi on Saturday. Picture by Prashant Mitra

Ranchi, Jan. 15: Book lovers of the state capital are in for a state-sponsored treat.

The state administration is thinking of setting up a state-of-the-art library in Ranchi to get book lovers from all age groups on a common platform.

This was announced by state chief secretary A.K. Singh while inaugurating a book fair organised by the National Book Trust.

“Every other state, apart from Jharkhand, has a state library. Hence, the state government is now planning to set up one such centre, which will cater to the needs of all types of readers,” said Singh during the function.

He added that the state was currently on the lookout for a suitable plot, which was easily accessible from all parts of the capital.“Launching the library will not be a problem once a plot of land has been identified. The only challenge would be to put in place a collection of books that suits readers from all age groups,” Singh said.

Highlighting the importance of reading, the chief secretary said despite the existence of cyber journalism, the print media had not lost out on readership. He added that the government was also thinking of launching community based libraries in Panchayat bhavans to allow people in remote areas access books and cultivate reading as a habit.

Singh, who is an avid book lover himself, stated that the proposed library would have a varied collection of books, ranging from vedic texts to modern literature. “Despite the e-boom and availability of online books, there is nothing to equal the pleasure of reading. Books are the documented testimony of the evolution of human civilisation,” said the chief secretary.

Echoing Singh was Rita Shukla, head of department of Ranchi University’s journalism department. Apart from Singh and Shukla, director of DAV group L.R. Saini was also present on the occasion.

“Many young authors are coming up with interesting topics these days. Publishers should make it a point to come forward and encourage upcoming talents,” said Shukla.

Vice president of National Book Trust Pradeep Chabra said both Hindi and English readers would be spoilt for choice at the fair.

Around 60 publishers from across the country will be exhibiting their collection during the fair, which will end on January 23. Entry to the fair, which is being held in the state after almost a decade, has been kept free.