Chandy inaugurates digital library

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today inaugurated a digital Library with over one lakh digitized pages of newspapers and magazines published centuries ago.
Speaking on the occasion, Chandy said the new facility would help research students in journalism.
The library was set up by Kesari Memorial Journalist Trust under the district unit of Kerala Union of Working Journalists with a governmentassistance of Rs 20 lakh.
"The attempt of media persons is a welcome step especially in the wake of Kerala became Indian's first digital state... The main objective of the government is to expand the usage of the new technology in more sectors," he said.

More books, periodicals and newspapers would be added to the Library, KUWJ District Secretary C Rahim said.
Vijender said the revival plan fructified thanks to Rs 3

crore fund granted last year by the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
"The fund would be utilised for restoration and digitisation of books, restoration of buildings. Meanwhile, we held festivals and event in December to popularise the library and bring the spotlight on the heritage landmark," she said.
A five-day (December 9-13) 'Delhi Literary Heritage Fest' was held at Shanti Desai Sports Complex, Chandni Chowk, which included musical, poetic, cultural and literary events and panel discussions.

"This library was the place where people congregated for cultural activities. When Gandhiji came here in 1948, he met cloth merchants at the Hardinge Library. And, so many memories are associated with this library. And, therefore, we have planned a cultural event on January 7, which would also include a mushaira," she said.
As part of heritage fest, an international conference on 'Protecting, Conserving and Preserving Literary Heritage Collection' was held from December 11-13 at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
"Around 300 participants and 23 speakers from all over the world participated in the conference, including from British Library and Germany," she said.

On December 7, the iconic building was lit up, enhancing its architectural elements.
"It was a sight to behold. And, one felt so proud to see it glitter. India has so many libraries. We must try to project them as cultural and tourism landmarks," Vijender added.
The library, bearing a European design, has a dome on top, with ornate bordering. The old name -- 'Hardinge Library' --embossed on one of its porches, has survived, besides a wrought-iron gate ('Clark Gate') near it.
The oldest book in the library is 'A Relation of Some Years Travaile Beginning in 1626' by Thomas Hardy Esquire, published by Willaim Stansby and Jacob Bloome in 1634

"A consortium of heritage public libraries has also been set up with IGNCA as its nodal agency. Besides, Hardinge Library, libraries at IGNCA and South Asian University (SAU) are also part of it, and we expect more to join it," she said.