The District Central Library is planning to rope in trained faculty to coach students preparing for government exams, and also improve the existing facilities over the long run.

“Approximately 500 aspirants applying for government jobs through the competitive exams visit our library premises for studying daily. We conducted free preparatory classes through tie-ups with private coaching institutes earlier. However, we have found that students can learn better with the help of tutors in a classroom setting. This is why we have sought permission for at least two teaching faculty to be appointed to our library exclusively for coaching classes,” District Library Officer (DLO) K. Shan Basha told The Hindu on Thursday.

The library accommodates reading rooms, and sections for differently abled users, besides other facilities, in its 45,000 sq. ft premises on West Boulevard Road. In recent years, it has become popular with aspirants preparing for the UPSC and TNPSC exams, who can be seen gathering in the corridors and stairwells with their books from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Mr. Basha said that the proposed coaching classes would give a structured learning experience to students. “We encourage those who come here to prepare for exams to also participate in combined studies with others from time to time, because it helps students to revise and build up their knowledge base,” he said.

The DLO added that the library was also open to allocation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds for the maintenance of its premises and equipment. “At least 1,000 litres of drinking water is required for the library’s users daily. We need help in the upkeep of the reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers used for this purpose. The air-conditioners also need to be repaired,” he said.