(a) the State-wise list of public libraries in the country;
(b) whether any public libraries have been closed over the past three years and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;
(c) whether the public libraries are facing the problem of revitalizing public libraries; and
(d) if so, the details of the plans of the Government to revitalize public libraries?
MINISTER OF STATE, CULTURE AND TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b) There are six public libraries under administrative control of Ministry of Culture namely National Library, Kolkata, Central Reference Library, Kolkata, Central Secretariat Library, New Delhi, Delhi Public Library, Delhi, Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna and Rampur Raza Library, Rampur.
Data regarding State-wise list of Public Libraries is not maintained by Ministry of Culture.
None of the public Libraries under the control of Ministry of Culture has been closed over past three years. However, the following five sub branch and Resettlement colony libraries of Delhi Public Library have been closed in 2015 due to lack of membership and the same merged with the nearest sub branch/ zonal Library:
1. Jagruthi Enclave Sub branch
2. New Rajinder Nagar Sub branch
3. Netaji Nagar Sub branch
4. Vigyan Vihar Sub branch
5. Wazirpur Resettlement colony Library
(c) Central Government is providing financial help through various matching and non-matching schemes of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation and National Mission on Libraries for the upgradation and modernization of Libraries.
(d) To revitalize Public Libraries Ministry of Culture through the matching and non-matching schemes of Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation and through National Mission on Libraries is providing financial assistance for various purposes eg construction/renovation of library buildings, upgradation of infrastructure with furniture and equipment, modernization, procurement of books and reading resources, organization of seminar/training and capacity building of Library professionals/workshop/outreach programs, establishment of children corner, opening of various sections, creating facilities for specially-abled readers, brail corner etc.
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