The Librarians Request to Rescue Books

Maka Malakmadze, Kobuleti

If you should enter Kobuleti Library, named after Gulo-Aga Kaikatsishvili, you will see soon see cellophane over the windows instead of the glass, and a curtain that serves the function of a door leading to the book shelves. The library has 20, 000 books in its collection. However, librarians as well as the readers are concerned; they have even requested government to save the books and reconstruct the library building.

At first impression when you look at the cover of a book it will appear to be in good condition. However, upon closer inspection and when you open the book you will soon discovery that the pages are torn, moldy and missing. The library and the many books are on their last leg and the prognosis is terminal,” complains Eter Zhghenti, Chief Librarian.

The employees say that there is some history to the current state of affairs, and that that 12 years ago the roof of the library collapsed under the weight of a heavy snow. The book depository was spoiled as a result, not to mention the damage to the building itself; the library archive was almost totally destroyed. “We had been working practically without a building for the last two years. We were packing the books and working in a room that was free from rain.” However, things did improve, and thanks to the governor’s initiative, the building was finally recovered with what can be described as a second hand roof. Nonetheless, the roof did not hold up for long and it must again be replaced. However, in spite of the problem, there is no money in the district budget for such major repairs.
Thus far local librarians have addressed the Office of the District Governor several times: “They know about our problem and promises have been made that repair will by all means be made to the library building. However, there is such a quick turnover of governors, which explains why impossible to keep up; that’s why the promises are never fulfilled.”

Irma Gabinashvili, head of the Department of Education, Culture, Sports, Youth Affairs, and Monument Protection of Kobuleti Board told: “We have not been able to manage to allocate money for to carry out the needed reconstruction of the library building from this year’s budget. Again and again we are promised that the finances will be allocated the next year.”

All and all, the library is all but forgotten by the government, and only those who come to read books are fully aware or concerned about the plight.  Locals continue to demand the re-establishment of the library and that all effort is made to save the vulnerable and decaying book collection. “The government must work towards protecting the collection of books housed in the library. However, in spite of the positive changes made the district, more help is needed. It is essential that something must be done for this building, which continues to be in significant need of attention. The District Board must somehow find money in the budget for the library as well,” notes Liana Megrelidze, an inhabitant of Kobuleti.

“The librarians still go to work every day and to complete their job responsibilities; they continue to serve us the readers. However, it the board of the administration that must pay attention to the needs of the library,” says Revaz Maisuradze with great sadness.

There are 11 employees working at the library. 60 % of librarians were left jobless in the last year. “Last year we were told that the library was shutting down because the library related expenses were not anticipated in the district budget. We asked for help from many officials and in the end we somehow managed to maintain the library,” noted the librarians. Their salary is but a mere 150 GEL. However, they area not complaining about the salary” – they ask help in saving the books.”
 
A two-storied library which is non-functional belongs to the Cultural Center and this Center was only established in the last year. The Center unites the Palace of Students and Youth of Kobuleti, the House of Culture and the library. As a result of its efforts, dance classes are conducted in the building of the library. However, Natela Tavdishvili, a librarian is worried about such a practice: “This building is hardly adequate enough to house the collection of books, and now they are holding music and dance classes.” Nonetheless, there are no other options, and this will continue in this way until a house of culture is constructed. Already the construction of the house of culture has been started in front of the Administration Board’s building.