When it opens next month, Coimbatore’s Periyar Arivulagam will be among the largest public library complexes in Tamil Nadu. Built at `301cr, the eight-storey facility will house more than 1.2 lakh books and serve as a library and a science learning hub.“If there’s a library on a par with some of the best in the state, it would be this one,” says G Ramesh, librarian at the District Central Library at RS Puram. “It’s got air-conditioned sections and more interactive learning areas for children. It’s likely to draw in crowds,” says Ramesh. The govt has allotted `50cr for the procurement of books and `5cr for IT infrastructure.The project, executed by the public works department, spans seven acres. “About 90% of the civil work is done,” says a PWD official.“We’ve taken care to ensure accessibility,” says Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, Coimbatore collector. “There is one floor for the differently abled with wheelchair accessibility and Braille books.”Malathi, headmistress of Sidhapudur Girls’ High School, says she is waiting for the library to open as it will be helpful to students who learn through visual representations and experience. “Though theories are taught, representations extend well to science-based topics. It would be good if the district administration allocates a half-day slot to schools.”The library will also include an auditorium seating 350-400 people, as well as parking for 181 cars and 451 two-wheelers.
| LIBRARY LAYOUT
Ground floor: Planetarium and a science exhibit spanning 6,000sqft. The floor will feature a lift designed to simulate a space travel experience, with a capacity of 35 visitors at a time First floor: A special section will feature a model of the Keeladi excavation site along with artefacts. Floor is also dedicated to STEM subjects, with interactive learning models Second to fourth floors: Library spaces, with one floor exclusively for Tamil books and two for English. These floors will house children’s books, competitive examination material, periodicals and reference works Fifth and sixth floors: Incubation centres and centres of excellence aimed at MSMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs. These floors will also function as co-working spaces Seventh floor: A science centre or ‘future gallery’ showcasing artificial intelligence, robotics and augmented and virtual reality experiences as well as a digital library |
