The beautifully restored heritage building, once home to the Mapusa municipality, will now house the newly refurbished Athaide Library.
Photo Credits: Agnelo Pereira
MAPUSA
After nearly five years of silence, the iconic Athaide Municipal Library in the heart of Mapusa is poised to turn a fresh page – this time blending the charm of its Portuguese-era heritage with a host of modern facilities designed to meet the needs of today’s readers.
Shut down in September 2019 due to concerns over the deteriorating structure, the once-beloved library had left a void in the lives of residents who frequented it for newspapers, novels and community events.
Now, after an extensive renovation undertaken by the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) at an estimated cost of Rs 3.8 crore, the library is all set to reopen – with more than just a facelift.
The refurbished library, housed in a beautifully restored heritage building, is expected to become a vibrant hub of knowledge and community activity.
While the building retains its colonial-era architectural character, it now boasts an array of new-age amenities including a digital library, children’s reading corner, career guidance section and a mini-conference room.
“The ground floor will house the main library, while the first floor has been redesigned to include a hall, storage area and digital facilities,” said a senior GSUDA official.
The once-administrative wing of the building on the ground floor will now be home to the Red Cross Society, reflecting the site’s continued civic relevance.
Digital dreams taking shape
A particularly exciting addition is the soon-to-be-installed digital library – a first for the town.
The digital space will be located in the former chairperson’s cabin on the first floor and is envisioned as a tech-forward zone with access to e-books, digital archives and learning resources.
“This is part of a central scheme to equip the library with modern digital infrastructure,” confirmed Sulaksha Kolmule, Curator of the Central Library in Panaji.
“There will be computer units and a range of digital content for the public to access,” she added.
Though installation is yet to begin, work is expected to kick off within the month.
Once operational, the digital library could revolutionize access to information for Mapusa’s residents – especially students and job-seekers looking for online learning tools and career resources.
Beyond books and bytes, the Athaide Library is set to become a venue for cultural exchange and community engagement.
The hall on the first floor, now expanded to accommodate more people, includes a green room and can be rented out for small events and gatherings.
A mini-conference room has also been added, catering to workshops, meetings and interactive sessions.
A children’s corner and study room on the ground floor signal a focus on nurturing the next generation of readers, while older patrons can look forward to the return of their favourite newspapers and periodicals in the dedicated reading space.
There’s even talk of a pantry room being added – an unexpected but thoughtful touch that could enhance the library’s community vibe.
For many in Mapusa, the reopening of the library is more than just the return of a building – it’s the revival of a beloved public space that once formed the intellectual and cultural backbone of the town.
“Better late than never,” said Philip Dias, a long-time resident. “We have been denied the privilege of reading for more than five years. I hope the new facilities help not just us seniors, but also inspire young people to develop a reading culture,” he added.
Originally slated for completion in six months, the renovation – which began in November 2022 – faced multiple delays. Yet the end result promises to be worth the wait.
With the blend of historical preservation and forward-looking features, the Athaide Library is ready to write its next chapter – as a bridge between Mapusa’s past and its digital future.
