As Pune Marathi Granthalaya enters its 100th year, library comes up with various concepts, programmes to inculcate reading habit in kids
As Pune Marathi Granthalaya enters its 100th year, library comes up with various concepts, programmes to inculcate reading habit in kids
The Pune Marathi Granthalaya (PMG) is entering its 100th year with a big bang. Inculcating the reading habit among the younger generation by making it an interesting experience is the first public initiative taken by the book lovers here.
"We would like to make our library like a tourist spot and that is why we have opened a separate cell for children in the name of veteran humorist P L Deshpande. The library tourism concept has already gained good response from over 200 schools in the city and outside. This facility is available with minimum charges. Children can play and read stories they want in a free atmosphere," said Mohan Date, the president.
Inspired by celebrated Marathi writer and journalist N C Kelkar, a young enthusiast book lover Hardikar (whose first name is not known) started PMG in 1911 at Vishrambaugwada, Sadashiv Peth. The three-storey library stands on an area of 20,000 square feet iat Narayan Peth. The library to develop a good collection of Marathi literature.
"The library is fully computerised with a touchscreen system to find and select a book or magazine," Angal said.
Computer expert Dr Vijay Bhatkar helped digitise the 46,000 Marathi periodicals. He also helped the library collect Rs 3 crore, Date said.u00a0
As part of PMG's centennial celebrations, veteran scholar Dr R C Dhere will honour noted Marathi writer Bharat Sasne, Bhanu Kale and poetess Hema Lele on October 28. "We are also honouring Shyam Shelgaonkar a library movement activist from Jalna," Angal said.
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