Education begins at home, a mother’s lap to be specific, that’s the way one saying goes. Another perception warns us of the repercussions a bad schooling can have, which is at best an insinuation to a government school.
Recreating the ‘temple of learning’
Education begins at home, a mother’s lap to be specific, that’s the way one saying goes. Another perception warns us of the repercussions a bad schooling can have, which is at best an insinuation to a government school. In this constant tug-of-war of who’s right and who’s wrong, who’s important and who’s not, people tend to forget the role a library plays in the community. Limited features, limited facilities might have restricted the impact they have had on societies in the past. Well, things are changing, the British Council Library has seen to it.
A library without a librarian
Hardly the first thing that crosses your mind, right? But then having a librarian breathing down your neck forever like The Librarian from Monsters University does not paint a pretty picture either. Remember all those times you went straight to their desk, to hand over the books borrowed (along with a book review), to ask for an extension or find a reference book? You can un-remember all that now as this, to the delight of its members, is a self-service library.
Yes, there is an advisor to guide individuals and families in case they run into an issue but for the large part you can imagine a space that does not have a librarian sitting behind the desks. But, want to borrow or return? Walk up to the self-service counter they have installed where the items will be yours once it has scanned your membership card as well as the book titles. Take your receipt and continue reading. When it comes to returning these items, instead of a librarian asking you to ‘place them back from where you collected it’, the counter instructs you to feed it to the bin next to it!
And as far as renewal is concerned, how often poor health or transport issues landed you in trouble? One of the benefits of digital library is you can just email the person in charge and let them know five or six days before the due date. While renewal is subject to availability, at least you wouldn’t have to cough up fine now and again. And, say, it is not available, then you have the option to reserve it through the website, too. Bottom line, nothing’s going to ruin your reading spree starting now.
Similarly, no need for you to feel disappointed or frustrated after an attempt to find a search for an item turns out futile. The books in stock are the latest collection and will be updated systematically. Let them know and they’ll get it for you.
A library without ‘typical rules’
‘I mean it’s sort of exciting, isn’t it, breaking the rules?’
‘Who are you and what have you done with Hermione?’
It’s cruel to take a break from a gripping tale and there’s the possibility of ruining those crisp pages or staining the cover. And yet, not unlike one of my favourite literary heroines, the British Council already seemed to owe this makeover, this change.
When you consider the fact that they are offering is more of a community space, where events are a norm (whether in courtyard or the auditorium), where long stays are a possibility, where interactions (as long as they are not too loud) are allowed, you see a library that supports all these needs and more.
A library where tech reigns
Challenging the popular notion that the age of technology had single-handedly destroyed the reading culture, technology makes an attractive package for the members. The whole place is equipped with Wi-Fi so you can bring all your devices, charge them, and use them as you want. There are proper workstations - eight of them besides 20 iPads - that members can log in to work on an assignment, and get a photocopy or a print out if they want.
Library visits are no more boring, library members no more the dull, nerdy Jacks. The brand new touchtable will surely liven up your evenings. Not only can the members access the digital library on it, more than one person can play games on it; it is movable and it can be divided up into four screens!
Working with a company abroad, which necessitate private Skype sessions regularly? Looking for a really quiet space to study for an exam? Conducting a training workshop with team members (who are incidentally not members)? They’ve got your back. The four meeting rooms are available for reservation; you would be itching to use state-of-the-art interactive boards, to connect them to your computers or projectors even if only to see how cool they function.
A library that is heaven for bibliophiles
If there’s one childhood trait I’ve been proud of, it’s been my love for books. I wouldn’t even mind going to relatives as long as I could carry my book. Now people, including my parents, obviously used to talk to me about the importance of reading in a good, comfortable environment. A place that is so rich in experience, that feels significant and you can call your own, easily sets the mood for you to polish both your receptive and productive skills.
The British Council library ticks all boxes. From the clean, spacious cafe to courtyard, from the well-lit main hall and children’s corner to well-equipped auditorium and meeting rooms, each corner illustrates proper ergonomics. Did I mention the place is air-conditioned? Or that their staff is trained to provide emergency medical service?
But then these are just the extra benefits; the significant half of the package is of course the books themselves. Together, they make the perfect pairing. The plethora of collections is your bridge to an entirely different universe. There’s so much to learn: take your pick from ‘Skills to Learn’, ‘Health and Well-being’, ‘Business’, ‘Economics’, ‘Law’, ‘Science’, ‘Society and Politics’, ‘Religion and Philosophy’, ‘History’, ‘Maths’, ‘English’, ‘Teaching Resources’, ‘Exams’ sections, etc. Or, if you like fiction, there are titles aplenty categorised under ‘Science Fiction’, ‘Horror’, ‘Romance’, ‘Desi Reads’, ‘ British Drama’, ‘Young Adult’, etc.
Here’s the most interesting deal: they have a vast collection of Marvel and DC comics and also some from independent publications ‘Graphics and Comic Books’ selection. Additionally, take your time and browse through the magazines while you sit there. For those at a loss of which book to select, recommendations set up on the staffer’s table might come handy.
And since in this fast-paced world books are no longer the only source of entertainment/information, there are DVDs, too. Let’s just set the equation right: you can either borrow six books or you can borrow four books and two DVDs at one time for three weeks.
Beacon of light - a little history and future
The first ever British Council library that was built in Pakistan after independence was at Pakistan Chowk in the Sarnagati building, Karachi. A few years later, it was shifted to Bleak House, one of the glorious landmarks situated near Cantt Station. It was shut down when the 9/11 incident occurred and has only now renewed its operations.
After nearly 15 years of its absence and after considerable public demand in Pakistan, the British Council aims to rebuild and revolutionise its library to provide a 21st Century experience to young people, students and professionals. Currently, the focus was to establish two libraries in Lahore and Karachi respectively. The British Council libraries project has begun with an intention to foster creative expression and build greater cultural links between the UK and Pakistan. Besides offering access to eBooks, eMagazines and other exciting UK content to members from the comfort of home, they plan to create a vibrant events programme as well. In other words, library members will not only have access to a vast catalogue of contemporary UK journalism, publications, films and music, they will also gain access to special events held in the libraries as the British Council aspires to generate ideas, discussion and bring people and communities together in a safe cultural setting.
A point to note here is that it’s NOT just the ‘physical’ members of the two libraries who would have access to the digital library but any and everyone across Pakistan. With content in a variety of formats - movies, e-audio books, music and journals - available, we feel the digital offer is extremely accessible and appeals to a wide range of interests and age groups. JSTOR researches, eNewspapers, databases and reference material, podcasts, learning resources, partner content (e.g. The Guardian, RSA) and British Council content (selector radio, etc.) caters to the need of a variety of people.
- Rabeea Arif, Manager Libraries and Outreach Services, talked to Us.
Membership registration status: OPEN
Membership details:
There are three types of packages
a. Individual - 18+ years; PKR 6000
b. Family - two adults, four children (aged 11+); PKR 15000
c. Digital - (coming soon) PKR 3500
d. Children-friendly hours and events are included in long-term plan
How to apply:
Follow these easy steps
1. Go to http://library.britishcouncil.pk/
2. Book a tour: http://library.britishcouncil.pk/join/
How to access digital library:
You can log by:
1. Going to www.library.britishcouncil.pk.
2. Entering your membership details (username and password).
Security concerns:
Prospective members are asked to book in advance for their first visit, and present their IDs. Thereafter, as a library member, they will be able to access the library freely.
Members of the Karachi library dish their opinions about this treasure trove of knowledge
Asad Memon
‘I come here regularly to study. It’s not like the traditional library - there are no restrictions; you can do anything. I’ve discussed with them if they would take into account the customs of the local community and build a prayer area for members.’
Umair
‘I think it’s a nice place. The thing is there aren’t many (quality) libraries in Karachi. It’s not like quiet, quiet place; more of an interactive place. That’s what they call it. The other thing is its facilities are nice - for example, the air conditioner is working; there’s a nice cafe outside; the net’s fine.
‘There are different kinds of people who study: those who like background noise and those who get disturbed when someone speaks. The place is suitable for the former. I try to come most days of the week, my laptop, iPad, and smartphone tagging along. The animated books collection is probably a hard-find in this city, which makes it unique and different because people are really interested in comic books and the ones in stock are really expensive ones as well.
‘Also, the membership fee is a little cheap actually. The cafe isn’t cheap though and that’s a disadvantage.’
