Kerala Tips

British library in Trivandrum was one of the best resource for books. When I was young, I found it a very peaceful place to spend time in learning. They also provided free Internet service for a long time. Sadly all good things must come to an end. So the British council decided to close it from February (they were spending over a crore rupees per year).

What is very funny about this is the reaction from politicians. Our chief minister visited the library ordered the British "NOT to close" the library. Unions were formed to protect the staff at the library. What are they going to do?  Are they going to organize strikes in London demanding that they should operate library in Trivandrum? 

[Yesterday I gave some money to the beggar at palayam church. Today he is demanding that I should pay the same amount or he will kick me. What a beautiful world we are in? ]

Now consider this. Trivandrum is also home to the State public library which is the largest in the state.  This is run by Kerala government and it is pathetic to say the least. I have been a member there and it is one of the worst places you can visit. Almost all the reference books have missing pages and the behaviour of the staff is unpleasant.  This is located very near to British library. So why can’t we create memberships for all those who had membership in British library and save them?

The fact is there is no comparison between British library and our state public library. Kerala government is probably spending more than the British to manage public library, but all that goes as salary and other corruption charges. If you visit the Malayalam books section, it is so dusted that you may get asthma!!

So here is my advice to all the British library fans. Just forget about it and learn how to use Internet for your information requirements.

Photo credit :  British Council Site.

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