Community reading rooms

The aim is to have a reading room in each municipal ward in every city run by a municipality. It may be attached to the office of the Ward Commissioner (or equivalent official).

There are citizens who would volunteer for part-time duties. It would help the municipalities to enhance their public image.

Earlier in the 1960s, the local provincial government opened a large number of community radio listening centres all over the province by distributing around 10,000 newly developed transistor radio sets.

The majority of the households and citizens cannot afford to buy a daily newspaper or magazines, not to speak of procuring books for spare time reading. Many of those who have their own personal libraries would like to donate some old surplus books from their own stock; while there would be donors from other agencies, once the movement gathers momentum. At present some NGOs are engaged in this noble field. The idea has to take off at mass level.

The time spent in reading is a good social cement. It reduces the communication gap and intolerance, raises awareness, and helps in cultivating a healthier outlook towards men and matters.