On a literary mission

The Janamaitri Police Library in Tripunithura in Kochi has been steadily picking up membership and book titles ever since it was dedicated to the public on January 31 this year. With a collection of more than 6,000 titles including  English and Malayalam fiction, children literature, poems, astronomy and astrology, the library is the Kerala police's innovative attempt to bridge the gap with the public. The air conditioned library next to the police station opens everyday from 10 am to 7 pm. There is no membership fee or security amount, only a photo identity is needed along with the application for membership. “The Library is a part of our Janamaitri (people friendly) police activities. It will help us to make better relationship with the public,” says Arunraj, Circle Inspector of the station. At present the library has more than 250 members and 6,000 book titles.

The idea of a library is the brainchild of B.A. Salim, a community police officer who has had a small stint as a librarian. But it was easier said than done. “Without the public support, the effort could never have been fruitful,” says Salim. In the midst of hectic duty schedules, books were also collected from publishers, book sellers, writers, teachers, doctors, workers and housewives.

Prof. Madhava Panikker from Rajagiri College of Engineering alone contributed 750 books from his collection. Dr. K S Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of Sri Sankara University of Sanskrit, Kalady, and the new Chairman of Kerala PSC  contributed more than 600 books and helped procure many books from his acquaintances. The Janamaitri Police Library was dedicated to the public by Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the then home minister of Kerala on January 31 this year. Now the library committee and the police authorities want to set up a people’s advisory committee for more active participation of people.