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LODHRAN, Sep 17, 2009: The only public library in District Lodhran is restored today following the advocacy campaign launched by OPI. During a seminar held by OPI in the library, the citizens have shared a total of Rs. 72,500 as philanthropic donations for restoration and rehabilitation of the library. In addition to this, Mr. Tariq Mehmood, Tehsil Officer (Finance) has promised to release funds for the library as soon as possible.

Allama Iqbal Municipal Library, which is the only public library in the district, has been suspended since devolution. The building of library has been captured by different departments from time to time, especially by the Police Department, Union Council, Public Safety Commission, Revenue Department and Ladies Club. The library had preserved thousands of valuable books. However, after the devolution, neither district nor tehsil government took responsibility of it and the result was closure of the library.

Considering the importance of the library for a sustainable society, OPI launched a campaign for its restoration. In this regard, OPI formed a 10-members citizens' action committee for restoration and rehabilitation of the library. With the help of the committee, OPI worked on an advocacy campaign. After motivating the stakeholders, a seminar was organized today in the hall of the library. This hall remained close for more than three years. OPI opened and cleaned it; and gathered the stakeholders for a seminar on the role of libraries for empowering youth.

During the seminar, OPI received a total of Rs. 72,500 from the participants as philanthropic donations for restoring and rehabilitating the library. The amount was handed over to the Librarian, Mr. Muhammad Hashim, at the spot. Meanwhile, Mr. Tariq Mehmood, Tehsil Officer (Finance) also promised to release government's funds for the library. Syed Asghar Ali Shah (Tehsil Nazim Lodhran) has also issued an order to provide necessary furniture to the library and appoint necessary staff as soon as possible.