Anirban Library turns a new page for Paikgacha

In a remote village of Paikgacha upazila, Khulna, there is a library unlike any other. It has become a beacon of knowledge for the local people. It is more than a library. Other than reading books, boys and girls can learn dancing, acting, debating, music, recitation, computer skills and even take private tuitions there absolutely free.

More importantly, students and guardians are made aware of social issues like child marriage, sexual harassment, drug abuse and terrorism in this library located at Maumudkati village in Haridhali union.

Talking to the UNB correspondent, Brishti Ghosh, Rupom Bhodro, Tonni Mondol and several others, said people in their locality could not have afforded education without Anirban Library.

The residents of this village are extremely poor but many boys and girls in the area have gained the opportunity to study outside, thanks to the library.

There was a time when the literacy rate in this Hindu-dominated Mamudkati village and its surrounding villages was very negligible, with superstitions griping the people while child marriage and drug abuse was almost the order of the day.

Finally, Anirban Library has become a force against these social evils, said locals.

Joydev Bhodro and Manik Bhodro of Sonatonkati, Bishwakorma Mandal of Mamudkati and Mrinal Ghosh of Horidhali village thought about setting up a library in 1990 to enlighten the people.

“On 10 December 1990, Anirban Library was set up. It was not just an ordinary library but became a socio-cultural movement for the people in the area. Anirban Library has made a difference in the culture and society as the changes are being felt at present,” said its general secretary Pravat Devnath.

“We’re giving stipends to poor students and have set up a free medical camp too. Here boys and girls can grow up with dreams and are shown the path to become good human beings,” said Ganesh Bhattacharya, general secretary of Anirban Library advisory committee.

The library allows people in this remote village to use internet for free. Children as well as old people in the area are greatly being benefited by the library, he added.

There are around 7,000 books in the two-storey library and the number is increasing every day, said Shondha Rani Haldar, secretary of the library.

Neelima Dhali Rani, head teacher of Mamudkati Government Primary School, said, “Boys and girls rush to the library once their classes are over. Not only they can read books and the daily newspapers, but they also can practice singing, dancing and get chance to use computers in the library. They get free private tuition and even stipends if they excel in their studies. The village is now known for Anirban Library.”

The library has really become popular and people from surrounding areas are coming here, said Shomiron Dey, president of Anirban Library.

The road to reach the library is in a bad shape. Shomiron Dey hopes that the authorities concerned will take necessary measures to repair it.