16 libraries being modernized worth Rs 240 million in Landhi Town, says MNA Asif Hasnain

November 21, 2009

By Irfan Aligi

KARACHI: Landhi Town Municipal Administration has started converting 16 libraries into modern public libraries while these would be centrally air-conditioned and would also be equipped with necessary computerized system, tools for information technology, other learning tools and books on majority of topics. The process of converting these ordinary libraries would cost Rs 240 million approximately.
Talking to Daily Times, Member national Assembly Syed Asif Hasnain who has spent his special MNA funds on ongoing development projects in Landhi Town and is looking for these developments of libraries said that promoting education was the only radical solution to combat the terrorism and enable the youth to avail opportunities for serving the country and creating a standard means for livehood.
Hasnain said that two libraries as yet have fully been converted into most modern premise for extra-curricular academic activities and reference study while the third one is nearing completion. The remaining 13 are on a fast development track and these would be ready within shortest possible time.
Hasnain added that, in fact, each conversion of the existing library to modern look would cost Rs 1.5 million only on reconstruction, air-conditioning and equipments. However, private partners, individual philanthropists, intellectuals, poets and poetess, writers and industrialists have assured us for their devoted contribution as regards to provision of books, which was a giant task to meet.
Hasnain further said that in this regard, we have as yet ensured that each of these 16 libraries should keep around 7,000 books at present averagely while this target would be stretched to at least 25,000 books on all major topics.
Hasnain added that a comprehensive plan for English learning has also been part of present process of modernization of libraries and for that purpose, English language learning institutes would also be established in these libraries while English language experts would be hired for passing knowledge to new generation.
Hasnain claimed that these libraries would also prove a modern place for IT training in future for which plans have been prepared and with the help of philanthropists, the aim would be achieved.
Hasnain lauded renowned intellectual Fatima Surrayya Bajia, MNA Khush Bakht Shujaat and other for their contribution for books.