Team Herald
MARGAO: Since 2021, the Margao Municipal Council has failed to prioritize the preservation and maintenance of its library, despite ongoing concerns from experts and book lovers. The library holds a treasure trove of rare books that are at risk of deterioration without proper care.
It has been revealed that the Margao Municipal Council has managed to clean only about 20 percent of its rare book collection, with the preserved volumes placed in glass cupboards.
Unfortunately, a staggering 80 percent of the valuable Portuguese-era books remain untouched, gathering dust and neglect. These rare volumes are haphazardly stacked on shelves, exposed to the elements and competing for space with discarded items.
A visit to the library on Tuesday revealed that the staff had made some progress by cleaning the section of rare Portuguese books. However, hundreds of these valuable volumes still require dry cleaning before they can be properly placed in the glass cupboards.
It has been further revealed that out of the 16 glass cupboards ordered by the Margao Municipal Council, only 6 have arrived, with 10 still pending. This delay significantly hampers the library’s efforts to properly store and protect the rare book collection.
As suggested by a team of experts from Goa University, led by Dr Carlos Fernandes, there is still no sign of a portable dehumidifier, which was recommended for urgent installation.
This recommendation came after their visit to the library on July 20, 2021, highlighting the need for improved environmental conditions to protect the rare book collection.
The absence of this essential equipment raises concerns about the ongoing preservation efforts and the potential damage caused by humidity. Despite the experts' clear guidance, the civic body has yet to take action, leaving many valuable books vulnerable. It is pertinent to note that O Heraldo on July 2, 2021 had first published a report on these old rare-books craving for attention.
Taking note of the news report, the Margao Municipal Council had passed several resolutions aimed at preserving the rare book treasury. However, it is shocking to learn that the council has still failed to secure all 16 ordered glass cupboards nearly three years later.
Speaking to O Heraldo, Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council, claimed that the issues surrounding the preservation of rare books are almost resolved.
“There is no issue left. Cupboards have been brought to keep the books safely,” he stated confidently
However, the Chairperson appears to be unaware of the 10 glass cupboards that are still pending, which are essential for safely storing nearly 700 books after they have been dusted.
One of the crucial suggestions was to maintain the room’s humidity level by installing a portable dehumidifier immediately, but shockingly, the Margao Municipal Council has yet to take this recommendation seriously.
Rodney Dias, a regular visitor to the library, expressed his frustration, charging the council with neglecting the preservation of the valuable Portuguese-era books.
“Without proper care and attention, these literary treasures are at risk of deterioration,” Dias said