Learning with elan

Mona

Just five minutes away from hustling-bustling Elante Mall, where people are busy buying, chatting, eating and playing, is this quiet corner. As one enters this rather secluded fifth floor Elante Office Block, there are book titles vying for attention. Some individuals, some groups; a mother with her two kids enjoys the air-conditioned environs and delves deep into their favourites!

Four-year-old Fateh is sitting on a tiny chair happily browsing through Thomas The Train; one-year-old Zara is flipping through Peppa, while their mother Ravneet Boparai is digging through the classics.

British Council, earlier called British Library at Sector 9, has its share of faithful readers. While some like Ravneet and her kids are occasional visitors; Ketan Garg, 21, calls it home. He duly shows up here at 11 am and goes home when the sun sets; a lunch break at the stairs, this civil services aspirant finds this library just perfect for some serious studies.

“I have tried many other libraries; some are crowded where finding a seat is a struggle and others not up-to-date. But here, not only is the environment right for long sittings, but also there are books and internet for company.”

This library believes in stocking up the books that are actually ‘used’ and has an impressive 85,000 e-books and 14,000 e-journals available at a click. Zinio gives access to digital magazines. In addition, IndieFlix lets you access thousands of independent movies too. The Council runs various programmes for schools and also has a reading club. It holds movie screenings and workshops by British authors from time to time.

“Libraries don’t just house books these days, but are centres of infotainment. We frequently do reader surveys and keep the demands in mind for our data-base. If we want youngsters to make this their third home, we are up to it,” says Bipin Kumar, manager, British Council.

Bipin also apprises us on what people are reading today, “While youngsters are all for books that give them instant gains, biographies have suddenly arrived on the priority list of all age-groups.”

Also, here one can use the two automated kiosks to borrow and return at your leisure!

Head to British Council, C 515, 5th Floor, Elante Office Block, Chandigarh.

Become a member

There are various membership options starting at Rs1,000 for books to DVDs and online resources in addition. You can even avail just the online membership at Rs1,100 a year. Unlike earlier, the membership is now open throughout the year.

[email protected]