Colombo Public Library temporarily reopens after COVID break
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The Colombo Public Library closed its doors to the public following the COVID-19 outbreak in March. However, the lending, children’s and reference sections are now open while adhering to health guidelines.
‘I’m overwhelmed by the response from readers that we now issue four books to them instead of two’ said Deputy Librarian Chintha Ilapperuma. ‘They have a month to read the books. During the pandemic situation we continued our online programmes for the children. The library is temporarily open from 9.00am to 3.30pm but maybe in another month’s time we will open other sections as well’ she added.
So far there are 40,000-50,000 registered members at the Public Library who utilise its services. ‘People from anywhere in the country can apply to be a member. There are three options; one is where someone can fill the application form and get it signed by a guarantor living in any place between Col. 1-15. The other option is where they can pay Rs. 2000 and get the membership within a day. The other option is to present a utility bill or give the land number of a guarantor as proof’.
When asked if people have a tendency to opt for e-resources Ilapperuma said that although there were such a fear people still enjoying the manual reading experience. ‘We get many calls to inquire if the study section is open but we need to be mindful about safety precautions as well. So the mobile service and other services will resume next month’ she added.