Protest over British Council Lib's closure in MP

Bhopal, Dec 6 (UNI) Stunned members and intellectuals have protested against the proposed closure of the British Council Library's roughly four-decade-old local branch next year.

Besides books collection, the facility -- only one of its kind in Madhya Pradesh -- has video and audio material. Posters have been put up outside the library and anti-closure remarks made in the visitors' register.

''The council has taken the decision. The branch will be closed for members from February 29 and wound up by March 31,'' branch Manager Gitanjali Nagoo told UNI.

State Deputy Secretary M Dhariwal, Dr Anil Choubey and other members strongly objected. A meeting is scheduled outside the library on Sunday, a resolution will be passed, memoranda submitted to Governor Balram Jakhar and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Ms Nagoo said that the council felt a change was imperative in the traditional model of study due to a changing environment. A considerable amount is required for maintenance of the library.

''The council is focussing on education and research. New projects are being initiated since 2005. The United Kingdom Education Research Institute is also involved. Membership fee will be returned by February end,'' she added.

Assistant Librarian Mahadev Savadati explained that the branch was started on May 14, 1965 with 30,000 books from the local Kala Parishad. Books will be earmarked for management institutes here or sent to other branches.

UNI