Guntur Regional Library Set for a Major Transformation

A new chapter began in the history of Guntur’s iconic Regional Library on Sunday with the bhoomi puja and foundation stone-laying ceremony for a new state-of-the-art building. The project, estimated to cost ₹20 crore, is expected to transform the historic library into a modern learning hub for students, competitive-exam aspirants and book lovers.

Guntur West MLA Galla Madhavi, Union Minister Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar and District Collector C.M. Saikanth Varma were among those who attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Galla Madhavi described August 16 as a landmark day in Guntur’s history. She said the library, which has been serving the public since 1915, deserved to regain its former prominence and emerge as a centre of learning equipped to meet the needs of a new generation.

The MLA stressed that a library is much more than a collection of books, describing it as a “temple of knowledge” that helps shape students’ lives and futures. The proposed building will come up across a vast 47,000-square-foot area and will feature modern facilities designed particularly for students, competitive-exam candidates and regular readers.

Madhavi also praised donor Challa Rajendra Prasad for making a generous contribution towards the project. She said supporting a library that helps shape the future of students was a significant act of public service and philanthropy.

District Collector C.M. Saikanth Varma said arrangements had already been made at an alternative location so that students and competitive-exam aspirants would be able to continue their studies without disruption during construction.

The new building is expected to be completed within two years. Madhavi expressed confidence that the facility would become a distinctive landmark for Guntur and set a new benchmark among regional libraries in the state.

She said the proposed library would be designed to be more attractive, modern and exemplary than the existing regional library facilities in Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram and Tirupati, further strengthening Guntur’s identity as an important educational centre.