Guwahati: The district library on Gopinath Bordoloi Road, a key quiet study space for students and job aspirants, continues to operate with inadequate facilities as a proposed Rs 51-crore redevelopment remains delayed.The library draws around 100–120 readers daily. Officials said they had earlier carried out repair and maintenance by spending from their own pockets, but further repairs have been halted because the existing structure is expected to be demolished under the redevelopment plan.“Readers may continue to use the washrooms on the first floor, while the drinking water facility will be made available. However, as the library building is slated for demolition, no further costs will be incurred on toilet repairs,” said Prasanta Baruah, director of directorate of library services.Two years after the state govt earmarked the library for a comprehensive facelift, including new reading space, a cafeteria and other additions, there has been little visible progress, and the building remains in its current condition.“The project has already been sanctioned and PWD (Buildings) is responsible for executing it. However, the redevelopment work cannot begin until the library is shifted to a temporary location. We are currently looking for a suitable space for relocation, but have not been able to find one yet,” Baruah also said.The library’s upgrade was also referenced in the 2025–26 budget speech, with plans for upgradation “as per the directions of a high level committee.”Readers said the deteriorating facilities are affecting regular use. Some said they have stopped visiting due to poor conditions.“I have been preparing for competitive exams for the last nine months and regularly used the district library for study. However, the poor condition of the toilets and the lack of drinking water made it difficult to continue. Basic facilities like hygienic washrooms and safe drinking water are essential for students who spend long hours reading. Eventually, I had to shift to a private reading room and pay Rs 1,500 a month for facilities that should ideally be available at a public library,” said Aditya Pran Changkakati.Student Diwisha Das said the female washroom has four toilets, but only one is operational “that too barely,” adding that the lack of drinking water has worsened the situation.
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