Patna: Patna University’s Central Library is set to extend its operating hours from 8 AM to 10 PM, following a directive from Lok Bhavan. The revised schedule will provide students with two additional hours for study each day.
The university has started preparations to implement the extended schedule. However, officials have not yet finalised the operational arrangements because of a shortage of staff.
Staff Shortage Delays Arrangements
The Central Library currently has 14 outsourced employees. University Dean Prof Kameshwar Pandit said the university had received the letter regarding the 14-hour schedule but was facing a shortage of personnel.
The library director has requested additional staff from the university administration to support operations during the extended hours. A decision on the request is pending.
Library Previously Closed At 8 PM
The Central Library previously operated from 8 AM to 8 PM, providing 12 hours of access each day. Under the new schedule, students will be able to use the facility until 10 PM.
The additional evening hours are expected to provide more study time for students preparing for university examinations and competitive examinations.
Students Had Demanded 24-Hour Access
Students associated with the AISF had earlier protested to demand round-the-clock access to the Central Library. The agitation included a week-long hunger strike.
Following the protests, the authorities agreed to extend the library’s operating hours from 12 hours to 14 hours.
Central Library Once Operated 24 Hours
The Central Library had operated round the clock about a decade ago. The night-time service was later discontinued following complaints about gatherings of anti-social elements and incidents of violence during late hours.
The library’s timings were subsequently revised to 8 AM to 8 PM. The proposed extension to 10 PM will restore two hours of evening access while the university works on staffing arrangements.
