SCD College library opens doors to evening learners

The library at SCD Government College, Ludhiana, will now remain open from 8 am to 8 pm, making it the first among Punjab’s government institutions to offer 12-hour access.

After years of closing at 3 pm, the extended hours will finally welcome evening students and alumni into the heart of campus learning.

Announcing the move, Principal Dr Gursharanjit Singh Sandhu said it would benefit nearly 1,000 students enrolled in evening programmes such as BA, BCom, BBA and BCA. “Library access should not be limited by class timings,” said Dr Sandhu.

“This initiative ensures that evening students have equal access to academic resources, helping us build a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. In addition to this, the library doors are also open for our alumni, who are welcome to use the library after 3 pm,” he added.

The principal also shared that the college would soon be setting up an e-library to enhance the reading experience in line with changing needs.

Earlier, the library closed at 3 pm, leaving evening students with little opportunity to use its collection of over one lakh books. For many, the extended hours feel like long-awaited recognition. “We had been missing out on the library experience,” said Brahmjot Singh, a BA student. “Now we’ll finally have the chance to sit, read and explore the books we need.”

Bharpur Singh, library in-charge of the evening college, emphasised the impact on students juggling academics with jobs or family responsibilities. “This is a golden opportunity for all, especially the evening students, to make full use of the library’s resources,” he said.

He called the move a step towards strengthening the institution’s academic culture. “A library is the soul of any educational institution. Its value lies in how many minds it nurtures through reading and reflection,” he said.

Faculty members also welcomed the change, noting that the extended hours offer a quieter space for research and contemplation. “The library is where one finds peace to read and reflect,” said an English faculty member. “This move will help us reconnect with that space.”

In another first, alumni will now be allowed to visit the library during the extended hours, though borrowing privileges will remain restricted. Brij Bhushan Goyal, organising secretary of the alumni association, praised the initiative and highlighted the addition of a dedicated alumni book section.

“It’s heartening to see the college open its doors to old students,” he said. Rahul Bedi, an alumnus, added, “This is a beautiful initiative. It allows us to relive our student days and reconnect with the college and its library.”