Chennai: Well-lit and ventilated quiet spaces, coupled with a variety of learning material and a peaceful environment, are driving students to libraries to prepare for exams. Officials from the directorate of public libraries said govt school heads from Ashok Nagar, Perambur and R K Nagar are reaching out to local librarians, informing them that students would arrive in groups of 10-15 to use their premises for a couple of hours on weekends. Teachers say students who live in congested localities are happy to study at schools during study holidays. Though schools offer relief, their scope is limited compared to a library, where reference material and guides are readily available. “We reached out to the recently renovated Ashok Nagar public library. Students are eager to study there,” said M Janaki, teacher at Govt Girls Higher Secondary School, Ashok Nagar.Availability of computers and wifi, allowing usage of laptops and mobile phones, are a bonus. Besides reference guides and books, students have access to clean drinking water and toilets. “Even our schools do not offer all these facilities,” a student said.Students preparing for competitive exams have a dual benefit, said Kamatchi, chief librarian, Anna Centenary Library. “Students coming to study are sent to the children’s park, which has air-conditioned rooms with adequate seating arrangements. We also have sections where they can refer to guides and also prepare for competitive exams such as NEET and JEE. District library officer M Kavitha said the department was willing to offer additional administrative support to students seeking to use the space. “If students are willing to come in large numbers, school heads can reach out to us beforehand, and we will make arrangements,” she added.
