Sambalpur: A new chapter in the cultural and educational landscape of the city unfolded with the inauguration of the Gopabandhu Library, a collaborative initiative between the Bakul Foundation and the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC). The momentous occasion took place at Burla on Friday in the presence of Asit Tripathy, Chairman of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC).
Expressing his delight, Tripathy lauded the library’s unique concept, emphasizing the potential it holds in fostering a love for books and reading among both children and adults. Stressing the significance of cultivating a reading habit from an early age, he commended the efforts of the Bakul Foundation, known for its pioneering work in promoting literacy through their libraries in Bhubaneswar, for extending their expertise to Western Odisha.
The Gopabandhu Library, housed in a spacious hall at Gopabandhu Chhak in Burla, has been tailored to meet the needs of the local community. Constructed with support from the SMC, the library showcases creative library spaces, featuring well-curated books and vibrant murals adorning the building’s interiors and exteriors, fostering an inviting atmosphere for book lovers.
Distinguished by its open bookshelves, the library encourages visitors to explore and select books of their choice, with creative bookshelf designs adding a distinct touch to the ambiance. Among the vast collection of over 10,000 books in both English and Odia, readers will discover an array of genres and themes, catering to various age groups and interests.
A special segment dedicated to children houses over 50% of the library’s books, curated specifically for different reading competencies, from beginners to young adults. The collection spans diverse categories such as picture books, comics, fantasy, detective fiction, adventure, horror, romance, science fiction, and more. Notably, the library boasts a rich non-fiction section, offering a treasure trove of knowledge encompassing science, wildlife, trivia, and encyclopedic resources.
Open to the public from 11 AM to 7 PM daily, except on Mondays, the library aims to evolve into a dynamic community center, fostering engagement and collaboration among the people of Sambalpur and Burla.
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