The Ernakulam Public Library, which has been part of the social and cultural fabric of Kochi since 1869, is reaching out to the different parts of the district to encourage reading habit among youngsters.

The EPL, after opening its extension counters at the High Court and at Chakkarapparambu, is set to open the third one at the Infopark, Kakkanad and is in negotiations with a resident association in Kadavanthra for opening the fourth one.

“We are keen on reaching out to the people who are not in a position to reach the library located in the heart of the city, wading heavy traffic.

The counters already opened are drawing readers and if residents associations in various parts come forward to partner us, we are ready to consider opening more extension counters,” said Ashok M Cherian, secretary of EPL.

Currently, the extension counters at High Court and the one adjoining AKG Library at Chakkarapparambu function on two days every month — on second and fourth Thursdays at High Court and on second and fourth Sundays at Chakkaraparambu.

Ashok said that the association of companies at Infopark evinced interest for opening the counter there.

“Currently we don’t have an own vehicle to transport the books to the counters and have requested the State Library Council to provide one. Currently, we bear the transportation expenses and expect only the space for the functioning of the counter,” he said.

Ashok said that fiction, both in English and Malayalam, is sought by the readers at the existing counters.

“With the existing manpower we can only operate four extension counters, but if demand comes, we are ready to increase the manpower.

However those coming forward to set up the counters should not abandon it half-way,” he said.