A library has been set up at Mandal under the Barwadeeh block in Latehar by the 11th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Ved Prakash Tripathy, the commandant of the 11th battalion of the CRPF, said the library has been set up close to the CRPF post there, and has about 60 books.

Asked as to how the idea to have a library came to the CRPF, Tripathy said students of this place are laborious but lack exposure to the world of books.

Story books have been put in here for drawing more and more people towards reading.

The CRPF commandant had a word of appreciation for the DC Latehar Abu Imran who as he acknowledged, helped the CRPF unit here with everything. “The library is in a very nascent stage but we will be adding books to it,” reiterated the commandant. The library now only caters to the academic need of the secondary school going students but gradually the CRPF will ensure that it gets books meant for the competitive examinations of various hues. Sources said the Palamu tiger reserve can offer its booklets on birds and elephants for the use of the visitors of this library.

A retired government school teacher said students spend more time on social media and do not develop a habit of reading books.

The 11th battalion of the CRPF has in mind to strengthen its connection with the younger generation. Sources said the CPI Maoist are observing their People's Liberation Guerrilla Army week now and are inviting youths to join their outfit and right at the same time the CRPF has offered the youths an opportunity to read.