Libraries Must Evolve Into Modern Learning Centres: Abdul Aziz
AP Waqf Board chairman calls for digital resources and free study material for competitive examinations: Reports
NELLORE: AP Waqf Board chairman Shaik Abdul Aziz has called for the modernisation of public libraries and their transformation into knowledge and learning centres to support students' academic and career aspirations.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 59th National Library Week celebrations at the District Central Library in Nellore on Saturday, he said libraries should provide digital resources, Wi-Fi, computers and free study material for competitive examinations such as UPSC, NEET and JEE. The programme was held under the chairpersonship of District Library Authority chairperson Mekapati Shanti Kumari.
Abdul Aziz said nearly `50 crore in library cess collected by local bodies was pending release. He promised to take up the issue with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to secure the release of the funds.
He said the government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister and education minister Nara Lokesh, was taking steps to modernise libraries and expand digital services, including access to costly e-books through a centralised subscription system.
Urging parents to develop reading habits among children from an early age, he said libraries should not be viewed merely as places to read newspapers but as institutions providing equal learning opportunities, particularly to economically disadvantaged students.
