RAWALPINDI: An e-library has begun operating at Nawaz Sharif Park, with an aim to promote reading and research activities in the city, and will also be the site of a seminar in connection with World Book Day and Copyright Day 2018 today (Monday).

Speaking to this agency, Chief Librarian Sher Afzal Malik said the seminar will be held at the library.

The chief guest at the event will be Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Sarwat Naz Mirza, while Allama Iqbal Open University associate professor Dr Pervaiz Ahmed is the guest of honour.

Mr Malik said the Punjab government is opening e-libraries at various cities in the province in an effort to promote reading and research.

The library contains 30 laptops and five tablet computers, and will have a comprehensive database of thousands of authentic books and over 10,000 e-books, magazines and publications.

He said there will be one shift to start with, but the library will later be run in double shifts.

Mr Malik said the libraries have been designed to attract readers and provide data.

They will also provide access to detailed material for in-depth research, without licensing restrictions and associated costs, and free of copyright.

He said the Information Technology Board Punjab is setting up e-libraries in 20 districts in the province under Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s directives.

He added that special courses will be arranged for students, particularly in the summer, and a sports department at the library would organise lectures by renowned athletes.

There will no membership fee and all citizens will be eligible to visit the library, he said.

E-Rozgaar training will also be provided to registered individuals that will aim to help young people earn through online jobs and businesses.

He said each e-library has auditoriums for creative activities that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2018