Library resurrected
Over the decades, the library evolved into more than a repository of books. It became a neighbourhood institution, where generations of readers, students and researchers found a place to study. “I am thankful to the committee members and the friends of the library. The reopening has brought some of the oldest members, several of them in their 80s, back to their favourite reading space.
Whatever we are seeing today is the fruit of their labour, patience and perseverance,” said Mohammad Khalil of Mohammad Ali Library.
An extensive archival programme, involving indexing, cataloguing and digitisation is underway, with around 50% of the library’s rarest books and century-old journals already digitised. Located on the ground floor of Barry House, close to the bustling Zakaria Street, the library resumed operations on Teachers’ Day, following extensive structural repairs and a community-funded drive to revive the institution, which had steadily fallen into disrepair over the years. The restoration included structural repairs, improved lighting and the renovation and reinforcement of its wooden shelves. The work extended beyond the physical space. The remaining collection is expected to be digitised soon, giving the library an additional layer of protection against the effects of age, humidity and repeated handling.