Historic library in Solapur to get a face-lift

solapur: the historic hirachand nemchand library in city will undergo total transformation next year, when it completes 150 years of its existence. shriram pujari, chairman of the public library, told times news network that the renovation of the library building is expected to cost one crore. the library has also been chosen the host for the 76th all-india marathi literary meet to be held in second half of next year.established during the british on january 28, 1853, it was then referred to as native library. the name was later changed to general library and, after independence, it was renamed as solapur zilla vachan mandir. it was named as hirachand nemchand library after family of hirachand nemchand doshi donated funds for it. the library has managed to raise funds to the tune of rs 1.32 crore with the help of a commercial complex owned by it. a part of this fund will be utilised to purchase more books and steel cupboards. the present library building was constructed in 1927. mr pujari said a part of the old construction will be demolished to construct a better-equipped library building. the new building will be constructed on the lines of the famous royal asiatic society's library in mumbai, mr pujari said. the new premises will have various facilities for different cultural activities, including songs, dance, theatre and art. there will also be separate halls for public lectures and exhibitions. mr pujari said the existing children's section will also be strengthened further with 1,000 toys, which will be available to children free of cost. the idea is to keep children for a longer period on the library premises, to create among them interest in various kinds of literary and cultural activities taking place in the complex, he said. the construction work has been assigned to satish joshi, head of the pune-based architect and archivista firm. the ambitious project is expected to be completed by january next year, much ahead of the proposed marathi sahitya sammelan. mr pujari has expressed confidence that the new library premises will be one of the important landmarks of solapur.