K M Cariappa’s ancestral house which houses a public library is not much use to the public. How many of students and general public are benefited from it is a big question. Teachers and students have expressed displeasure as the library remain open only on a few days.

It was former Chief Minister J H Patel who inaugurated the library in 1999.

Prior to the library, the building was functioning as a Nada Kacheri. It was the ancestral house of first commander in chief of Indian army Field Marshal Cariappa.
The board which is hung outside the building reads as Field Marshal K M Cariappa Memorial building.

The board reminds us that the house was the place where Cariappa was born. A few wants the building to remain as a library. However, a few wants to install a bust in front of the house.

If the library continue to function, then it will help the public, said teachers.
There are over 10,000 books in the library. The library has 281 members. The membership fee is Rs 30. There is one librarian. The library purchases newspapers.
However, it remains closed throughout the day. It will be open only on three days in a week till 12.30 pm.

The public said it would be better if the library is kept open in the evening.
Rangubai Vittalrao, member of the library said “there are good books available in the library. However, many in the town do not have habit of reading. The timings of the library is not suitable for the general public. It should remain open on all the days in a week after 2 pm.”

R K Narayana, a member of K M Cariappa memorial library for the last 15 years said “the library has not been much use to the public. Out of 281 members, only 50 visit the library regularly.”

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Shanivarasanthe, DHNS – March 19th, 2013