126 years of Annoda Gobinda Public Library celebrated

The Annoda Gobinda Public Library in Pabna, one of the most prominent institutes of knowledge in the country, marked its 126th anniversary, still going strong in its legacy of spreading the light of knowledge in this region.

Through a rally, discussion and cultural programme, the historic library celebrated 126 years of founding anniversary on Friday, amid festivities.

Lawmaker of Pabna-5 constituency Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince inaugurated the daylong programme. A colourful procession of cultural activists and local elites was brought out from the library, which paraded the main streets of the district headquarter.

A discussion focusing on the background of the historic library was held on the occasion, chaired by the president of the library Anjan Chowdhury Pintu.

Among guests, lawmaker Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince, vice chancellor of PUST Dr. Al Nakib Chowdhury, administrator of Pabna Zila Parishad Md. Saidul Haque Chunnu, Pabna deputy commissioner Rekha Rani Balo, mayor of Pabna municipality Kamrul Hasan Mintu spoke on the occasion.

Zamindar Annoda Gobinda Chowdhury of the Tantibandha Estate established the library in Pabna town in 1890 for educating people in this region. The library turned into the centre of cultural activities in the early twentieth-century.

“Annoda Gobinda Public library is a treasure-trove of knowledge in this region with rare collections and the glorious role of spreading the light of education,” Anjan Chowdhury said.

Over 30,000 precious books including rare collections – including 9,806 handwritten scripts of hundred years ago are kept at the Annoda Gobinda Public Library, said Abdul Matin Khan, secretary of library. Centuries-old rare books are also available in the library, making it one of the richest libraries across the country, he added.

“There are few institutions across the country keeping its heritage, but the Annoda Gobinda Public Library keeps its role of spreading the light of education for 126 years, which is absolutely amazing,” Golam Faruk Khandaker Prince, the lawmaker said.

A musical event was held on the occasion at the library premises, where popular artistes Badsha Bulbul, Atique Hasan and Anupoma Mukti performed iconic Bangla songs of last 100 years.

The guests and the eminent citizens of Pabna also released colourful 'Fanush' (paper lanterns) marking the occasion.