Over 500 Libraries to Get Digital Boost Soon in Tamil Nadu

Express press service

CHENNAI: In a first across the country, 152 virtual reality devices worth Rs 65.54 lakh have been introduced in 76 libraries across the state. This aims to provide readers with an enhanced reading experience and attract children to the world of books.

The Public Libraries Directorate further plans to provide internet connection in all libraries, introduce digital library facilities in 500 libraries based on attendance and also start door-to-door book delivery.

“We have trained 155 librarians in the use of virtual reality devices. In Chennai, it is at Alwarpet Circle Library and Ashok Nagar Library. Students will be able to experience what they have studied in the books. We hope this will bring more children to the libraries,” said V Dinesh Kumar, Anna Centenary Library Manager.

“Most students visit the library on weekends. We give them a little activity after which they are allowed to use the virtual reality devices. All students over the age of 12 enjoy the experience,” said R Kalaimani, assistant librarian at Alwarpet Circle Library. Each library was equipped with two VR devices.

“I know I’m inside the library. But I’m afraid to walk because the experience is so real. We are able to better understand space and other concepts through virtual reality,” said a student after trying virtual reality. It is the first time in the country that virtual reality has been introduced in libraries, officials said.

The branch also plans to introduce digital libraries to 500 libraries across the state. Currently, only the Anna Centenary Library has a digital library with over 3,000 books. However, this is still in the discussion stage and funds will be allocated soon, officials said.

Another major initiative has been planned by management to bring reading to every home. Entitled “Noolaga Nangbargal”, this program aims to launch a book delivery program. “Volunteers will be chosen from library members and even from residents’ welfare associations and other similar organizations. These initiatives will help us to encourage people to get into the habit of reading,” said a senior management official.

</p> <p>CHENNAI: In a first across the country, 152 virtual reality devices worth Rs 65.54 lakh have been introduced in 76 libraries across the state. This aims to provide readers with an enhanced reading experience and attract children to the world of books. The Public Libraries Directorate further plans to provide internet connection in all libraries, introduce digital library facilities in 500 libraries based on attendance and also start door-to-door book delivery. “We have trained 155 librarians in the use of virtual reality devices. In Chennai, it is at Alwarpet Circle Library and Ashok Nagar Library. Students will be able to experience what they have studied in the books. We hope this will bring more children to the libraries,” said V Dinesh Kumar, Anna Centenary Library Manager. “Most students visit the library on weekends. We give them a little activity after which they are allowed to use the virtual reality devices. All students over the age of 12 enjoy the experience,” said R Kalaimani, assistant librarian at Alwarpet Circle Library. Each library was equipped with two VR devices. “I know I’m inside the library. But I’m afraid to walk because the experience is so real. We are able to better understand space and other concepts through virtual reality,” said a student after trying virtual reality. It is the first time in the country that virtual reality has been introduced in libraries, officials said. The branch also plans to introduce digital libraries to 500 libraries across the state. Currently, only the Anna Centenary Library has a digital library with over 3,000 books. However, this is still in the discussion stage and funds will be allocated soon, officials said. Another major initiative has been planned by management to bring reading to every home. Entitled “Noolaga Nangbargal”, this program aims to launch a book delivery program. “Volunteers will be chosen from library members and even from residents’ welfare associations and other similar organizations. These initiatives will help us to encourage people to get into the habit of reading,” said a senior management official.<br />