Bhopal's British Library to close down

British Library Bhopal will be officially close its operations in Bhopal on February 29, 2008. The blog had covered the story where people in Bhopal and media had expressed anguish and shock. Above is photograph of the poster pasted across British Library Bhopal. This is one of the hundreds pasted there after the announcement of its closure this week. In fact students of Bhopal have started a blog www.savebclbhopal.blogspot.com to express their concern while another popular web site www.scratchmysoul.com his having live debate on its web site on the issue.

Members of British library and many others feel the need of debate on this decision, i.e to debate on the reasons of it closure. Many feel that State Government should intervene. Bhopal media for last three days has been carrying out stories of shock and anguish expressed by people. British Library on other hand has stated that this decision is part of their strategy to continuously adapt to range of services which it offers to ensure that resources are directed into news areas as they emerge. The closure of this library does not signal the end of a relationship. The public will be able to access the services of British Council and it will be holding seminars and briefing for perspective students. The British Council is changing the nature of its work and its reiterates its commitment to people of Bhopal and will remain in close contact.

Though many in the state had offered to take it over, not sure, if this is possible, may be a remote. Looking at the condition of other libraries in the city this was 'the best', professionally managed, well maintained, had a decent collation of books and off course great staff ! Kudos to the staff members of the Library who were always helpful to its members and readers who used to visit the Library. The events and happening at the library used to make it very live.Bhopal will surely miss this asset, after Feb 29, 2008. May be if someone has 'will ' and resources it could set up a similar business model.