Mysuru:  “Children are losing interest in studies due to social media and mobile phones. National Library Week, which is an annual celebration organised by Department of Public Libraries, highlights the valuable role libraries play in transforming our lives, particularly to create awareness among students about reading habit,” said Mayor Pushpalatha Jagannath.

She was speaking after inaugurating the ‘National Library Week’ and Book Exhibition organised by the Department of Public Libraries and City Central Library at the Library on Sayyaji Rao Road in city on Nov.14.

“The number of libraries should increase to create awareness about the importance of books among the students,” she added.

City Central Library Deputy Director B. Manjunath said “National Library Week aims to draw attention to the important role of libraries in our society and is celebrated from Nov.14 to Nov.21.”

The Department had organised quiz, drawing and essay writing competition and prizes were distributed to the following winners: Quiz contest: M. Kalpana (first), K. Bharat (second) and R.S. Rekha (third); Essay: R.S. Rekha (first), K. Bharat (second) and S. Bimbita (third); Drawing: N. Anusha (first), Sahana (second) and R. Lakshmi (third).

Additional Deputy Commissioner B.R. Purnima, Corporators R. Nagaraju and H.M. Shantha Kumari, V. Ramesh, Dr. C.P. Ramasesha, BEO Udaykumar and others were present.

City Corporation yet to pay Rs.18 crore Library Cess

City Central Library Deputy Director B. Manjunath drew the Mayor’s attention to the fact that MCC is yet to pay Rs. 18 crore library cess, which is negatively affecting maintenance of public libraries.

“To meet its expenses such as electricity bill, purchasing books and magazines, cleanliness, etc., the Department is entirely dependent on local institutions for funds,” he said.

Reacting to this, Mayor Pushpalatha said “so far, meeting has not yet been called to discuss this issue” and promised to hold a meeting.