MYOLA JOANES
myola@herald-goa.com
Margao: As technology continues to advance, libraries have struggled to attract readers, with many opting for digital resources. However, for those who still value the traditional way of learning and reading, libraries remain a precious resource, and the Jose Vaz public library in Benaulim, run by the Don Bosco priests, is no exception.
Since its opening in 2004, the library has been a hub for students and avid readers in the area, offering a quiet and comfortable space to study, read, and learn. The library has around 5,000 books to offer, including magazines, comics, novels, and dedicated sections for children and reference material. Membership options are flexible, with one year, five-year, and lifetime options available to suit the needs of the Benaulim Villagers.
Despite declining visitor numbers, the library remains committed to promoting reading and learning, especially among children. Librarian Bibiana Boniface Dias understands the value of books and the importance of reading in personal growth, saying “There is no friend as loyal
as a book, and there is a lot we learn from books. We want more people to come and
read books and spend time at the library.”
To encourage young minds to embrace the library atmosphere, the Jose Vaz public library hosts reading and craft activity programs from time to time, providing a fun and engaging way for children to get involved with reading.
For many in the village, the library has been an essential resource for their education and personal growth. Reshma Kaaigar from Colva recalls, “I remember going to the library every time I had an assignment as we had no access to Wikipedias. Me and my friends would carry books and take down notes at the library. I would sometimes go there for just the comfort of books and the peace and quite of the place.”
Another villager, Rita Fernandes, from Benaulim recounted how, as a convent school student, they were never allowed to borrow comics and Tinkles from the school library. “I remember spending all my summer vacation reading Tinkles and comics and having a good time until they closed.”
Despite the challenges facing libraries in the digital age, the Jose Vaz public library remains a valuable and cherished resource for the children and villagers, fostering a love for reading and learning that transcends time and technology.
