Role of libraries is a guarantee for a successful life
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad
There is no doubt about the usefulness of books. It is an undeniable fact that books have always played a significant role in the genuine development of humankind. The motivation behind the essay I am about to write on the role of libraries is an interview with the world-renowned academic and novelist Umberto Eco, which is featured in the NCERT’s twelfth-grade English textbook. This interview pertains to reading. What does Umberto, seated on the highest pedestal of intellect, have to say? Great personalities seem insignificant in the face of his scholarship. What I like most about him is the vastness of his library. His library consists of more than fifty thousand books. I do not know the exact number, but the breadth of his studies certainly drew my attention to the necessity of libraries.
After studying various history books, I have concluded that books have consistently played a significant role in promoting civilisation, broadening perspectives, and dispelling ignorance. Keeping these facts in mind, I decided to write this article. I have for you below a brief overview of the benefits of libraries.
The first benefit is the expansion of the mind and perspective. A frog in a well can only become a frog of the ocean if it reads various types of books. The result of studying the diverse minds of the world is that a person opens the closed windows of their own mind and breathes in the open sky. One goes to a garden and delights their heart with different kinds of flowers, and then hopes to visit other gardens to fragrance their soul.
The second benefit is peace of heart. Sitting in the company of books by a personality like Maulana Rumi brings peace to the heart. Beyond the choice of words, their depth sinks into the heart and becomes a reason for enduring life’s thorny paths. As John Keats writes in his poem “A Thing of Beauty,” the enduring beauty of nature adds splendour to this transient life and creates a passion for living. Similarly, after reading other famous authors of the world, a gentle wave begins to ripple through the heart’s world, filling the entire atmosphere with fragrance.
The third benefit is the proper use of time. Most of our time is wasted on frivolous activities. If we were to use our precious hours in the beautiful environment of a library, the future would begin to shine with light. A person should read at least ten to fifteen books a year rather than sit on street corners and roadsides; this can have a positive impact on the whole society.
The fourth benefit is that the dream of a country’s comprehensive development can only be realised within libraries. There is one thing I appreciate about China. According to them, education plays a crucial role in a country’s true development. Establishing libraries is extremely important for education. The progress of a nation that spends its valuable time not only turning pages but also understanding them can never be eclipsed. China’s digital libraries are also commendable. They contain various types of books that prove helpful in navigating life. The highest principles for living a good life can be found there. The results are before our eyes. Look at how China’s emerging students are leaving their mark all over the world.
The fifth and final benefit is closeness to God. Words written on paper can so illuminate a person’s spirituality that drawing nearer to God Almighty becomes easier and easier. Words written with the ink of a pen can erase the deep darkness of ignorance. They can cure the disease of egoism. The remedy for the eyes’ vision is also hidden in excellent books. The cure for insight, too, is concealed within magnificent books. Refining the heart’s vision is a special marvel found in the company of books.
Considering the facts mentioned above, it becomes clear that no one can deny the usefulness of the library. In this beautiful journey of life, books form the most beautiful companions. The fragrance of books perfumes the foulness within the heart’s world, as mentioned earlier. We should all strive earnestly to cultivate within ourselves the habit of studying great minds. In this direction, everyone should join hands and move forward together. Granted, this journey is very difficult, but what is the harm in trying? So, let us pledge that we will begin reading books at an individual level. There is still time for us to come to our senses and embark on this journey as soon as possible. It is hoped that we will only rest when we have reached the destination of this journey.
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