Mysore/Mysuru: The city Library Authority presented a Rs.7.36 crore budget at the Budget meeting held at the MCC Council Hall here on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Rukmini Madegowda.

The meeting discussed in depth the issue of library cess dues that the MCC and MUDA have to remit. An Escrow Account will be opened for direct credit of library cess by the two bodies.

During the meeting, MUDA Commissioner Dr. D.B. Natesh agreed to hand over the building that houses the Siddarthanagar Branch Library and also the new library built at Brindavan Extension to the City Library Authority for free.

Likewise, MCC Commissioner Shilpa Nag too said that measures will be taken as per rules for handing over the libraries which are functioning from MCC buildings to the City Library Authority. The meeting discussed shifting of Jayalakshmipuram branch library which is functioning from a rented building, to Kannada Sahitya Parishat building located in Vijayanagar first stage. City Library Authority Member H.M. Shantakumari said that the issue of shifting Gandhinagar Branch Library that is functioning from a rented building to the community hall in Gandhinagar, will be discussed with local Corporators and leaders.

Stressing on the need for engaging children in reading books and develop a craze in them for learning, the MCC Commissioner said that officials must visit schools and hostels and distribute books. He also suggested that old books stocked in libraries be distributed for free to children in schools and hostels.

Shilpa Nag directed the officials to organise ‘ Mysuru Literary Fair’ at the Peoples Park Library premises, featuring events such as Authors Meet, Book  Expo, Seminars, Authors’ Talk etc. 

MUDA Commissioner Dr. Natesh agreed to  provide infrastructure such as Wi-Fi connection at the open space in People’s Park premises for facilitating the idea of Open Library / Green Library.

The meeting also resolved to reopen Syed Isak’s gutted library in Rajivnagar from Apr. 23. An exclusive Joint Bank account has been opened for receiving funds from donors and also to credit the funds already received by Syed Isak from donors. 

The other decisions included payment of a monthly honorarium to Syed Isak and to provide temporary employment to the son or daughter of Isak once the library is re-established. MUDA also agreed to allot no less than  5,000 Sq.ft of land for the establishment of the library, which will be built by Nirmithi Kendra. 

It was decided to store all the books, furniture and other articles donated by donors, at the office of the Deputy Director of Libraries, until the building is completed.

Deputy Director of Libraries B. Manjunath, City Library Authority Member H.M. Shantakumari and others were present.