Cuttack: The Kanika Library of Ravenshaw University - one of the oldest and largest libraries of the state - is in a dilapidated condition.The library, which was closed for repairs since July, reopened earlier this month. Extensive repairs could not be undertaken as the management is unsure of the materials that were used to build this historic library in 1922."Since the library building is very old, the materials used during its construction must have been very different than those available now. We want to conduct proper research before carrying out repairs of the Kanika Library. The ceiling is cracked and the books were getting damaged because of the rain, so we had to shut the library for a few months," said Ishan Patro, the vice-chancellor of Ravenshaw.The library is spread over 900 square feet and has undergone several transformations. Its collection includes several rare books and journals. A separate corner has reference books, theses, project reports, books in Braille and so on."It is really upsetting that the students are facing problems because of the condition of the library. We need to know the root cause of the damage instead of doing patchwork repair. For now, the library is open from 9am to 9pm," said librarian Sujata Das.The library has been named after the Maharaja of Kanika, Sri Rajendra Narayan Bhanjadeo, who donated money for its construction. "The library has a huge collection of books, the ambience is also nice. But often it is closed because of basic repairs and we find ourselves at a loss. We can't even use the reading room because of its condition," said Vineet Singh, a student.

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