KARACHI: Though there was a crowd of students, faculty and staff members standing outside a green door on the second floor of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS), only a select few were allowed to step inside the Mariam Abdulla Library before the launch.

The newly refurbished library is named after the matriarch of the Abdulla family (mother of Arshad, Shahid and Rashid) who, according to Moonis, one of her grandchildren who supervised the refurbishment, always wanted to learn. “She wanted to learn herself, and always wanted her children to learn,” he said, while speaking at the launch on Tuesday morning.

“She also taught her children something that they have been trying to teach us and we are still trying to learn — giving. Also, that the best way to measure one’s success is to add value to someone’s life.”

He added that his grandmother was the anchor of the family.

The refurbishment took about 18 months to complete and was part of the school’s 2025 strategy. The library now has several computers with upgraded versions of graphic software, more than 12,000 books with a capacity for more, and dissertations of all IVS graduates. The new furniture includes 50 new chairs, tables, and air-conditioners which has converted the library into a comfortable study zone for students.

Nestled among the thousands of books is Sadequain: The Holy Sinner. According to librarian Asif Nawab, this is one of the most expensive books kept in the library as a reference book for students.

The library has books on history, psychology, literature, science, textile, art, a good selection of fashion magazines and art catalogues, including several copies of Vogue and Art in America. They are also working on acquiring access to online academic and art journals.

The librarian explained that since most of the books required by the students were not available locally, the school places orders online or with shops abroad. “Once they send us a quotation, then we decide on how to proceed or how many copies to acquire,” he said, adding that the book eventually costs around Rs3,000.

The school’s executive director, Samina Khan, appreciated the Abdulla family for accepting the proposal of revamping the library and providing the school with their generous support. “The refurbishment of the library is part of IVS’s strategy which focuses on the school becoming a leading art and design education institution,” she said, adding that they wanted to link the research and innovation to their library project.

Shahnaz Ismail, the dean of the design department, said that she owed a lot to the institution but also the Abdulla family and in particular, Mariam Abdulla, who took care of her when she met her as a young bride. “She was a very forward-looking lady,” said Ms Ismail, adding that she had infinite wisdom and she wanted her children and future generations to study.

Published in Dawn, January 20th, 2016