THE Shah Abdul Latif Library, located in Ratodero tehsil of Larkana district, has lost its attraction thanks to the dying library culture. As a student, I used to go to the library almost daily to enhance my skills and knowledge. I would feel happy and fulfilled to have such a wonderful, free-of-cost facility at our doorstep.

Then, I got busy with my hectic professional and domestic obligations and stopped going to the library. After a gap of more than 12 years, I recently got a chance to revisit the library.

It was great to see that the library was well-equipped with spacious halls, beautiful repository rooms for books and offices along with lush green lawns, providing a conducive environment for learning. However, something important was missing: the students.

Officials say only 10-12 students come to the library regularly. This leaves a big question mark on the reading habit of our youth. The primary reason behind this sorry state of affairs is the lack of responsibility shown by civil society, social workers, educationists and parents.

No seminars or workshops are held to highlight the role of libraries as the custodian ofeducational, culturaland ideological heritage.

The role of teachers is also unsatisfactory in this regard. Some of the biggest and oldest secondary and higher secondary schools, having up to a thousand students, are located in the library`s vicinity.

However, the teachers do not motivate their students to visit the library regularly.

All civilised residents of areas close to the said library should come forward, raise their voice and promote the habit of reading and learning among the youth.

Besides, they should hold awareness sessions to promote library culture. This will surely set society on the path of civilisation, wipe out the many ills that plague our society, and benefit the country in the long run both directly and indirectly.

Inamur Rehman Jalbani Larkana