Sambalpur: Golbazar Library Now Turns into a Haunted Building; District Information and Public Relations Officer Proposes to Relocate it to Sanskriti Bhawan

Library Turned into an Abandoned Building

Sambalpur: Golbazar Library, once a hub for the library movement in Odisha, is now on the verge of extinction. This 70-year-old library building has turned into an abandoned space, more known for its unused shops than for books. Just four years ago, it was a bustling center for readers, but now it remains deserted. Neither newspapers arrive there anymore, nor do readers visit the library. The librarian, reportedly, visits the library for just half an hour daily to mark attendance.

The Rich Past of Golbazar Library

Established around 1950 under the Department of Information and Public Relations, the library housed a large collection of valuable books on religion, literature, culture, and history, attracting book lovers from across the region. Until 2020, it received newspapers in Odia, Hindi, and English and featured many national-level magazines, including those useful for competitive exam aspirants. Students preparing for OAS, IAS, and other competitive exams relied heavily on this library for study materials. Back then, the library remained open from morning to afternoon and again from 5 PM to 8 PM in the evening.

Current Condition: A Forgotten Place

Unfortunately, the library has remained closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after normalcy returned, the library doors did not open regularly. Though the librarian officially opens the library, there are no visitors, and the space remains neglected. The building itself is in a dilapidated condition, with no repair work in sight.

Building on Rent, Yet No Maintenance

Part of the library building has been rented out to liquor shops, and one portion houses an SBI ATM. However, despite generating rental income, the funds have not been used for repairs. During the Sambalpur Municipal Council days, some maintenance was carried out, but currently, the library looks like a haunted house in the middle of the city.

Relocation Proposal to Save the Library

Sambalpur District Information and Public Relations Officer, Sanjukta Kulu, mentioned that the library opens daily, but due to the poor condition of the building, plans are underway to relocate it to the first floor of the Cultural Building on the district magistrate’s office premises.

Hope for Modernization

Kalyani Das, Deputy Director of the Information and Public Relations Department, expressed her vision to transform the Golbazar Library into a modern library, similar to those in other districts. She assured that she would bring the matter to the attention of higher authorities to ensure proper action.

In short, Golbazar Library, which was once a knowledge hub, now stands as a neglected building, awaiting urgent restoration and modernization to regain its past glory.