Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Lays Foundation Stone for Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab State Library Transformation

Bhubaneswar: In a significant development, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone today for the transformation of the renowned Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab State Library in Bhubaneswar. This ambitious initiative is a collaborative effort between the Department of Culture, Government of Odisha, and Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC). The event also marked the official inauguration of a library honouring the legacy of Santhakabi Bhimabhoi within the Integrated Public Service Center (IPSC) in Bapujinagar.

Established in 1967 as a bastion of literary enlightenment, the State Library has been a crucial institution fostering knowledge and inspiring generations. Renamed as the Dr. Harekrishna Mahatab State Library on August 15th, 1987, it has played a pivotal role in facilitating academic pursuits for a diverse audience.

The transformation plan for the library encompasses a range of facilities designed to enhance the visitor experience. Aahar Kendra and Mission Shakti Cafes will offer a diverse array of meals and snacks. The upgraded infrastructure includes specially-abled accessible toilets, multilingual sections, engaging children’s reading areas, tranquil study spaces, window seating, and a state-of-the-art conference facility. Additional features comprise comfortable lounge areas, quiet reading rooms, reading pods, book stacks halls, water dispensers, emergency services, and seamless Wi-Fi connectivity.

The revamped library will boast seating for up to 500 individuals simultaneously. A digitization and automation drive will make the library’s existing book collection accessible online, providing readers with the convenience of exploring literary treasures on the go.

The integration of climate-controlled chambers and premium drinking water facilities positions the refurbished library as a symbol of intellectual enlightenment, fostering a culture of learning and innovation for future generations.

Concurrently, the inauguration of the Santhakabi Bhimabhoi Library at the Integrated Public Service Center (IPSC) in Bapujinagar represents a significant step in democratizing access to literary resources. Aahar Kendra, Wi-Fi connectivity, surveillance systems, and comfortable reading rooms enhance the cultural landscape of the city, creating a vital hub for knowledge dissemination and community engagement.

The launch of these libraries underscores Odisha’s commitment to spearhead a public library movement across the state and engage with the Odia diaspora, fostering a culture of continuous learning and intellectual growth.