Changlang district administration in Arunachal Pradesh has started a New Age Learning Centre (NALC), a library to promote multiple learning among the youths and children. District Collector of Changlang, 2018-batch IAS officer Sunny K Singh, built this centre where to provide children of various age group with fun and interactive learning under one single roof.
The library is designed to provide end to end learning solutions at single delivery point by integrating the features of library, motivation centre, personality development space, skill training centre and fun learning unit to make the learning more comprehensive as well interesting at the same time.
NALC has all genres of books and e-books, besides smart screens and tablets, coupled with free wi-fi. The NALC now act as a central library for all the nearby schools in a radius of 500 metres. Now library periods of these schools are spent at NALC. So convergence is achieved with optimum resource utilisation. The children spend their leisure time doing fun activities at NALC rather than dragging themselves towards Drug Culture.
NEW AGE LEARNING CENTRE
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Singh said, “Libraries of the schools around us were not that good. That’s why we thought of creating a centralized library for them, which takes care of their wholesome learning. It is very different from the traditional libraries. We have installed smart TVs, wi-fi and beautiful lightings. There are different types of modular furniture, so that children enjoy sitting. I myself have been an engineer, so I have paid special attention to these things. Basically, it has a futuristic design, with comfortable space and air conditioning.”
Schools around it were connected to the library. If separate libraries were made for 5 schools, it would have cost more money besides the reading experience too would be missing. Now children from many school come here to learn, he said.
Children and youth from economically weaker sections (EWS), do not have comfortable reading space at home. They come here and study the books of their choice. In a nutshell, NALC promotes smart and fun learning experiences for the readers.
VARIOUS ASPECTS
Mr Singh also allowed many NGOs to avail of library facilities. “Many people from field biologist and photographers to intellectual from various fields are working with us. All these people indulge in extra-curricular activities based learning on week-ends with the childrens expanding their horizons. A movie or documentary is shown every Friday. Children also watched live FIFA World Cup soccer matches. Renowned photographers come to take photography clases.
It’s an amalgamation of library, cafe – smart, futuristic and interactive space interwoven together to achieve NALC in its present shape. \dying reading habits amongst the youths, considering the fact that libraries are getting redundant in the present era of e-books, information overload on worldwide web”, Mr. Sunny said.
FEEDBACK
There is a complaint cum feedback register in place wherein members may register their grievances as well may put their feedback. The content of register is conveyed through digital mode to DC and other officials of Changlang district on weekly basis for its disposal and redressal. Complaint can also be lodged on online platform.
