Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma opened the renovated State Central Library and the House of Ryndia in Shillong on Tuesday. The library upgrade cost Rs 2.23 crore under the National Mission on Libraries. It now sports better reading spaces, an archive, a children’s section, and a study hub for exam takers. The Knowledge Corner grew from a 2019-20 project into a full-scale facility for students.
The State Central Library began operations on January 19, 1974. It holds over two lakh volumes today. Records show 31,000 registered members visit the site. Staff issue roughly 200 books each day. The facility uses E-Granthalaya software and an Online Public Access Catalogue to track inventory. Visitors can also access internet services, apply for internships, or sign up for memberships online.
Sangma wants libraries to feel inviting. He suggested adding cafes to keep youth engaged with books instead of phones. "The government wants to make libraries more welcoming for the youth," Sangma said during the ceremony. He also pushed parents and teachers to push reading habits early.
The Department of Textiles opened the House of Ryndia to showcase Meghalaya’s Eri silk. The shop mixes traditional weaves with modern home goods and clothing. Consultant Natasha Benharoosh worked on the project to give the venue global appeal. She believes Meghalaya’s sustainable methods offer vital insights for international fashion designers.
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