post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 24: The Harekrushna Mahtab State Library in the city is accepting new members. Its membership drive will continue till May 26. The enthusiasm that the drive has generated among the students of the city and even the state becomes evident the moment one visits the state library compound.
Defying the killer midday heat, students, especially those aspiring to clear the banking, civil services and other competitive exams, even on a Sunday, were seen forming a beeline in front of the library to get membership cards.
The library has long been a bibliophile’s paradise with the enthusiastic and studious students, irrespective of the fact they had or did not have membership, making good use even of the library compound to carry on with their studies without any interruption.
Some of the banking and civil services aspirants present in the library compound said that they had found the library’s collection of general books, magazines and newspapers to be most useful for preparing for their respective competitive exams. Currently, about 70-80 students make use of the library facilities every day.
“The city library has sections, well-equipped to give information on current affairs. Due to this reason, even students from other parts of the state come defying the scorching summer sun,” said Prasan Kumar Patra, a student who had come all the way from Dhenkanal.
“This library is the only place in the city, which offers extensive reading facilities for everyone, and it is open to people, irrespective their income or educational backgrounds. I am fortunate to find this place to prepare for my competitive exams,’’ Patra said.