The Hindu : Front Page : Facelift for Saraswati Mahal Library

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Tuesday, Aug 12, 2008
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Facelift for Saraswati Mahal Library

Special Correspondent

— Photo: M. Srinath

Renewed look: A view of the new entrance in Saraswati Mahal Library in Thanjavur.

THANJAVUR: The Saraswati Mahal Library here, one of the biggest manuscript libraries, is getting a facelift.

Entrance has been renovated at a cost of Rs.16 lakh with colourful arches, paintings and an idol of Goddess Saraswati at the centre.

According to Sami Sivagnanam, Administrative Officer of the library, the pathway leading from the entrance will also be renovated and adorned with paintings on both sides.

Scanners for digitisation of manuscripts and books have arrived and a separate air-conditioned room for digitising books and manuscripts is being readied at the library.

TTD to take up digitisation

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has taken up the digitisation at its expense. The digitisation is likely to start from next month. There are nearly 50,000 manuscripts and 4,000 books collected by Raja Serfoji II, Maratta King, who was the architect of the library.

The books are in ten languages.

The library has now purchased Rs.5 lakh worth of new books. It has a section for helping civil services aspirants.

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