The library now has more than 5,200 titles on a variety of subjects, ranging from religion to reference material and from fiction to non-fiction authored by leading Indians and non-Indians.

A visibly impressed Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad, who opened the renovated facility, said: “This library has a rich collection of books that will interest students, especially researchers, and go a long way in inculcating the reading habit among children and others.”

The library is keeping itself updated with new titles and also updating them on its database. It can also be accessed online; readers can order books and periodicals and even suggest the titles they need. It has a good collection of books on Gandhian thought and philosophy, as well as on the country’s foreign policy, culture, economy and history.

The collection also include biographies of eminent personalities. Documentaries and movies are available in electronic formats.

The ambassador advised students and other members of the community interested in reading books, magazines and periodicals to take advantage of the library. “This library is just an example of the consulate’s concern for the care and welfare of the large Indian community,” Ahmad said.

Consul General Sayeed Ahmed Baba said the renovated library was being opened at a time when the younger generation was gradually giving up the reading habit.

“This is the age of the Facebook and youth is more inclined to read and see what is available on the Internet and in the electronic media. We want students and others to visit the library and spend some time with books and periodicals. We are willing to make the library accessible on Thursdays and Fridays, and even beyond our 9 a.m.-5 p.m. working hours, without any membership fee.”

Local Indian artist Firoze, whose new paintings of top Indian leaders including M.K. Gandhi, Rabindranath Tagore, Abul Kalam Azad, B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sarojini Naidu adorn the library walls, was honored on the occasion.