Once a Lighthouse, now a garbage dump
Established in 1984, Kulaura Public Library has been lying abandoned for four years
The public library in Kulaura has remained abandoned for four years. Due to lack of preservation, it has now become a garbage dump and waterlogged. The collection of valuable books written by eminent authors has also been completely destroyed.
According to sources, the 'Kulaura Public Library' was established about 37 years ago in a building on the premises of the then post bungalow (now the Independence Monument), the heart of the town. It was inaugurated on 26 June 1984 by the then UNO Sirajul Islam. A librarian and an assistant librarian were appointed by the committee. The cost of book collection and other expenses were met from the monthly subscriptions of the members of the Upazila Parishad and the library. To this end, a bank account was also opened for the library.
On a recent visit to the library, it was seen that a furniture shop had been set up in front of the building. Rainwater has submerged the veranda and the inner floors of the dilapidated building.
The books, shelves and furniture of the library have been ruined due to waterlogged condition inside the library.
Khurshid Ullah, a former librarian of the library, said, "I was the librarian from 2010 to 2015. In my absence Assistant Librarian Shamsuddin used to carry out the duties. He died in 2017. No action has been taken to save it since then."
Sanjay Debnath, a member of the library, said, "I collected the membership card of the library in 1994. I used to read a lot of books collecting from the library. The library used to enjoy a good number of memberships. But the library is now lying abandoned and has turned into a garbage dump. I demand its renovation."
Mazharul Islam, a professor of history at Longla Modern Degree College in Kulaura, said, the role of a library in enriching the culture of an area is immense. The Kulaura Public Library was once the beacon of light in the region. Now it has become a symbol of the decay of our values.
It is necessary to bring the new generation on the path of literature and culture by reviving the library. Otherwise the generation will fall into the abyss of moral degradation, he added.
Kulaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ATM Farhad Chowdhury said, "I have taken sincere initiative to revive Kulaura Public Library. This has already been discussed in a meeting. The dilapidated building cannot be moved. There is a building under construction in the premises of the Independence Memorial. Arrangements are being made to renovate it and move the library there."