Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 8: Students in the Handwara area of North Kashmir today expressed their disappointment over the lack of basic facilities at their local public library, citing it as a deterrent to their reading experience.
Despite relocation to a new building near the post office two years ago, the students claim the library still lacks essential amenities, discouraging many from utilising its resources. They highlighted the crucial role of internet access for students and job aspirants. “The primary need of a student or job aspirant happens to be the availability of internet, but here at this library we are suffering due to a lack of internet. We don’t have computer systems here, which makes things worse for us,” one student said.
Echoing this sentiment, another student, facing financial constraints, emphasised the importance of proper facilities for exam preparation. “I belong to a very poor family and cannot afford a laptop or a computer system. Had there been this facility available at Handwara library, things would certainly get easier for aspirants like me about preparation for different competitive exams,” he said.
Moreover, the absence of quality books has added to the frustration of aspirants. “What is the point of this library if it is not equipped with quality, competitive books? Since I am preparing for the Union Public Service Commission, this library does not serve the purpose for students like me,” voiced another student.