THIS is apropos of the picture of Hasrat Mohani Library (March 14). The steps taken by the district government to extensively refurbish and renovate the Hasrat Mohani Library, Hyderabad, were warmly welcomed by enthusiastic knowledge-seekers of this historical city.

The library now presents an altogether new and impressive look, giving a pleasant surprise to all those visitors who have witnessed its dilapidated and worn-out condition before.

Besides refurbishment and renovation, the library is now fully equipped with the latest books, magazines, periodicals and various newspapers.

The congenial environment for study here is ideal and commendable. The students visiting the library also enjoy an access to the Internet and have a facility to get photocopies of the study material they require from reference books.

However, it is disappointing to learn that the future of this library hangs in the balance due to stoppage of funds in the wake of cessation of the local bodies system.

Given the ever-increasing number of the visitors and their demands, the library is confronted with multiple problems such non-availability of the required books, shortage of furniture and failure in enhancement of the Internet facility.

The fact that its employees have not been paid salaries for the last four months also speaks volumes of the lack of interest of the authorities concerned towards its betterment and progress.

The government is requested to do the needful in this regard. The instant release of funds for this library will go a long way to solve all the problems besetting it.

The much-needed government patronage would be a great favour to the students and the public and will provide impetus to the efforts to revive the lost book culture.

KHADIM HUSSAIN SUBHPOTO Hyderabad