Which of the following is an objective of the West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979?

The Correct answer is To establish a public library network.

Key Points

• West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979:
  • ​The West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979, was enacted over a decade after the Madras Public Libraries Act and largely follows its structure.
  • However, a distinct feature of this Act is the absence of a library cess, with the State Government solely funding library maintenance.
• Key Provisions:
  • State Library Council: Chaired by the Minister in Charge of Library Services, it advises the government on the public library system.
  • Library Employee Representation: Includes a representative from library employees in the State Library Council.
  • Department of Libraries: Established to supervise and manage public libraries.
  • Local Library Authority (LLA): Formed for each district, with the District Magistrate as the ex-officio Chairman.
  • Executive Committee for LLA: Responsible for library administration at the local level.
  • District Library Officers & Librarians: Appointed by the government to oversee district libraries.
  • No Library Cess: Financial support comes directly from state government grants.
• Objectives of the Act :
  • To establish public libraries in West Bengal
  • To regulate, guide, control, and supervise existing libraries
  • To provide a comprehensive library service in both urban and rural areas
  • To organize and administer library services in the state
  • To advise the government on matters related to the public library system