Readers' Forum
Revival of Reading Room
Established in 1891, The People’s Free Reading Room and Library situated on the ground floor of the Framjee Cawasjee Institute building opposite Metro Cinema in Bombay is being used by our 250 enrolled members and more than 200 student members. The students, many of whom do not have the comfort and facilities to study at home, and some who attend various classes at different timings, come to the Library with their books to study, especially before and during the examination months.
The People’s Free Reading Room and Library: well patronized
On account of paucity of funds, reduced rates of interest and the increasing costs of staff, electricity, maintenance, etc, the trustees are unable to provide improved facilities to their members. The Library houses a collection of about 75,000 books in English, Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati but has not been painted for over 40 years, nor have old electrical fittings been replaced. Since more competent and professional staff cannot be recruited, old books are not weeded out.
At the helm of the Institute are the trustees: chairman Minoo Bilimoria, a chartered accountant; Noshir Dadrawala, chief executive officer of the Centre for Advancement of Philanthropy; Jerry Pinto, author; Dr Harshaben Parekh, and Rashmi Palkhivala, educationists; and Sanjeev Bhagwat, a lawyer. They are trying their best to generate funds by way of voluntary donations from various sources, institutions as well as individuals. We earnestly seek donations to support this unique institution and the cause of education.
The revival plan over two years is expected to cost approximately Rs 1.2 crore (USD 1,83,353). Donations by cheque or draft in the name of "People’s Free Reading Room and Library” may be sent to the Library at Framjee Cawasjee Institute Building, Dhobi Talao, Bombay 400002 or by bank transfer at Corporation Bank, Kalbadevi CBB Branch, Bombay, A/c No. 520101005638387, IFSC: CORP0000560. Donations qualify for tax deduction under section 80G of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
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From the archive