I HAVE been studying at the British Council Library in Lahore for almost two years now. The ambience, standards and discipline are laudable but for the last few months, I have seen some uncomfortable changes in the library.

While we achieved independence a long time ago, it seems that the staff of the library is still battling with a colonial mindset. The behaviour of staff is polite but is limited to the elite who seldom visit the library with their children. The staff’s behavior with CSS aspirants — who are in majority in the library is authoritative and ridiculous.

CSS aspirants are required to pass through a metal detector (which is justified) but the insulting part is where these young people have to remove their watches and get their wallets checked by the security staff. In few days, they will be asked to remove their belts and what not.

The library is supposed to be a place where people can study in peace. A CSS aspirant needs to focus on his/her studies without being disturbed. Recently, the library has started to hold events in the main reading areas. The noise from these events makes it difficult to concentrate.

Complaints have been made several times, in person and over email, but the staff’s response has been disappointing. An application, signed by 200 CSS aspirants and members of the library, has been sent to the British High Commissioner but no response has been received. I request the authorities concerned to take notice of these issues.

CSS aspirant

Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2019