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 service of eradicating illiteracy. Thus the establishment of a good and useful library depends on the co-operation of the people in charge of it, the kind of books it contains and also proper publicity of what it contains.

LIFE-BLOOD

Library is an abode of intellectuals, living and dead, from the age of Tolkappiar to the present age of 'Apollo-8'. The books that embelish every library are the greatest productions of human minds. As Milton observes "a good book is the life-blood of a master spirit embalmed and treasured upon purpose to a life beyond life". The dignity and status of a nation depend not on the social set-up or religion of the people, but solely on their education. Libraries as cultural centres and store houses of knowledge are the only means to improve the education of millions of people all over the world.

It is the duty of a people's government to establish public libraries and see that the people:—

1. become better citizens;

2. become more skilled in their daily occupations;

3. appreciate and enjoy works of art and literature;

4. develop their creative and spiritual capacities;

5. educate themselves continuously;

6. keep pace with progress in all fields of knowledge; and