The Goethe-Institut's decision to re-open its library which has been shut since 2003 is giving shape to a new concept of library-cum-media lounge. WHAT's ON stepped into Max Mueller Bhavan to preview an experience that surely makes a 'library room' environment sound antediluvian
EX Libris
The Goethe-Institut's decision to re-open its library which has been shut since 2003 is giving shape to a new concept of library-cum-media lounge. WHAT's ON stepped into Max Mueller Bhavan to preview an experience that surely makes a 'library room' environment sound antediluvian
Roman philosopher Seneca recorded in his moral essay, On The Shortness of Life, that 40,000 books were burnt
|
|
The revamped library at the Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan at Kala Ghoda. Pic/Bipin Kokate |
at The Library of Alexandria, but asks not to be woeful, as the books were only decorative for its owners. In 2003, when Max Mueller shut its library, there was no outcry.
Today, Director of MM Bhavan, Dr Marla Stukenberg's plans to open a library space with a dual purpose strategy library by day, culture hall by evening, as she likes to call this fusion a 'media lounge' is going to ensure that this library becomes a cultural hothouse (without being inflammable).
This media lounge is open to all: The spanking new library has been designed to give a post-modern setting to a reading room, with use of a wooden platform for live performances by artists and book shelves on wheels to shift and make room in the evening.
Art deco chairs and tables have been imported from Germany for members to comfortably settle into. Books, DVDs, newspapers, magazines, learning material and audio CDs have been artfully arranged for access and give the feeling of browsing at a lounge. Unlike its previous avatar, when the library was only for students to use for reference material, this time it's open to the general public and the range of services has grown extensively to provide the latest in all forms of media.
There is more to Germany than Hitler: While the focus is on philosophy, film, contemporary fine arts and literature, the axis is on German culture. For those of you who think you will have to learn the language, English translations are available for people interested in German culture. However tempting the title of Seduction of Culture in German History might sound, do not beg for more titles on Der Fuhrer!
You'll only make librarian Swati Gajakose furious, who says, "A lot of people interested in German history and culture tend to think only of Hitler, but there is more than him to look at," directing us to a whole array of titles by Thomas Mann, Gunter Grass, and a new breed of talent in Germany. The library, which opens today has a calendar of events lined up, which includes film screenings, book launches, live performances by artists and photo exhibitions.u00a0
At Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, K Dubash Marg, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 01.
To join: Call 22027542 or log onto www.goethe.de/mumbai.
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 1 pm to 6 pm on Thursday and Friday.
