University of Moratuwa Library: A Beacon of Knowledge and Innovation
A Gateway to Knowledge and Community Growth
In every society, libraries are key institutions that promote literacy, education, and cultural development. The Moratuwa Public Library in the seaside city of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, is one such institution that has grown to be a hub of learning, research, and people’s interaction. Working in the public interest over several decades, the library not only is a place where an individual can study and read but also a facility that promotes lifelong learning, information literacy, and cultural heritage. This essay discusses the history, structure, services, and social role of the Moratuwa Public Library and looks at how it might assume a future function in an evolving educational landscape.
Location and Historical Background
Moratuwa is a vibrant town that is around 18 kilometers south of Colombo. It is famous for its industrial history, furniture craftsmanship, and school infrastructure, and thus has a lifelong focus on learning and development. The Moratuwa Public Library is among the town’s most prominent public structures, with its management taken over by the Moratuwa Municipal Council.
The library was established decades ago to cater to the educational and informative needs of the populace. With the individuals in the area starting to pursue education and career development, there was a necessity for a well-equipped library. The library has grown in terms of physical space and services over time since the needs of the community evolve.
Architecture and Infrastructure
The Moratuwa Public Library is located in a convenient and accessible part of the city, near schools, administrative offices, and public transportation routes. The building’s architecture is plain but functional, providing sufficient space to accommodate a large number of daily users. With spacious reading halls, quiet study rooms, and special areas for children, youth, and adults, the library is well-planned to suit various age groups and interests.
The facility comprises: A central reading room for general readers A children’s library with colourful furniture and books of pictures A reference section for students and researchers Computer and internet facilities, A multipurpose hall for book launches, seminars, and workshops, A cataloguing system for efficient tracking and borrowing of books.
The peaceful atmosphere and hygienic, well-maintained ambiance are suitable for individual as well as group study.
Collections and Resources
The Moratuwa Public Library contains a huge and diverse collection of books, journals, newspapers, and multimedia materials. The collection is broad in topics, including: Literature and fiction (Sinhala, Tamil, and English),Science and mathematics, History and politics,Religion and philosophy Art, music, and design,Engineering and technology.
Given Moratuwa’s reputation for technical education, particularly due to the University of Moratuwa, the library includes a practical selection of engineering and IT-related books and journals.
There is also a collection of local history at the library, comprising books and archival material pertaining to the history and development of the Moratuwa area. This is an invaluable facility for students and researchers engaged in research on regional history and culture.
The library also subscribes to a selection of local and international newspapers and magazines, which inform the public of current events, business, science, and entertainment.
Children’s Section and Youth Services
One of the special attractions of the Moratuwa Public Library is the well-developed children’s library. Remembering the importance of developing the reading habit from an early age, the library holds in its inventory a wide variety of storybooks, study games, and picture books suitable for reading by children of all ages.
Daily story-telling sessions, reading contests, drawing contests, and book fairs are conducted to encourage young readers. These sessions stimulate curiosity, creativity, and language among children.
Young adults and teenagers are provided with material related to school syllabuses, examination preparation, and career guidance. Students preparing for G.C.E. O/L and A/L examinations use the study facilities and past paper collections of the library on a regular basis.
Digital Services and Technology Integration
To accommodate the rising demand for electronic access and modern learning infrastructure, the Moratuwa Public Library has endeavored to embrace technology in its operation. The library offers: Free use of internet and computers for browsing, E-books and online repositories,Book availability search in online catalogs, Public digital literacy training.
Such institutions are most convenient for students and job seekers who may not have regular internet connection at home. The library establishes a virtual link, closing socio-economic divides for access to information and technology.
Programs and Community Engagement
Besides lending books, the Moratuwa Public Library also actively engages in community development. It organizes various programs, workshops, and activities during the year to enhance lifelong learning, civic awareness, and cultural enrichment. These are: Literary festivals and author talks,Language learning classes and writing workshops, Environmental education programs, Lectures on health, technology, and social concerns,Career development and vocational training workshops.
The library collaborates with universities, local authors, NGOs, and schools to run these programs, thereby emerging as a vibrant platform for learning and discussion at the community level.
Role in Promoting Literacy and Inclusion
The Moratuwa Public Library is a mainstay in the promotion of literacy and access. It is open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or education level. The library provides a safe and welcoming place where people can learn at their own pace, acquire hobbies, or just enjoy reading.
Particular emphasis is also given to disadvantaged populations, including low-income children and seniors. Reading mobile units (bookmobiles) and outreach services are sometimes used to bring books and materials to communities that are under-served by the central library.
Moratuwa Public Library is a beacon of education, culture, and public service for Moratuwa community. Through its varied resources, hospitable services, and community activities, it has enabled countless individuals to pursue knowledge, enrich their lives, and engage more intensely with their culture.
In a global era where knowledge is abundant yet sometimes unevenly distributed, such institutions as the Moratuwa public library remain vital. They are not only custodians of books but opportunity creators, too. As Sri Lanka itself matures socially and technologically, the Moratuwa Public Library waits in readiness to evolve and grow retaining its purpose of stimulating minds and enriching communities.
Contact Information
Address: 315 Bandaranayake Mawatha, Moratuwa 10400
Phone: +94112650185
Open Hours
The main University of Moratuwa Library (Institute of Technology) remains open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:15 pm, and on Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm. Reading Area (Second Floor) is open from Monday to Sunday between 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and the Study Area (Basement) remains open Monday to Sunday between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Map of University of Moratuwa Library
