The Central Public Works Department has also allocated Rs 13 lakh to the library for the repair of its boundary walls.

You may be forgiven for thinking that the makeover is going to be confined to the building and its surroundings. But in order to help members spot the library staff more easily, the latter have been given eye- catching orangecoloured vests. " This will help the members to call out for any assistance, if necessary," says Lal.

With a membership of 59,000, the library offers free service to its members, including internet access. Ironically, the arrival of the new medium has played a major role in increasing the strength of the members.

The colourfully- decorated children's section of the library has also played a role in roping in young members from the neighbourhood, many of who come here to spend their spare time.

It is even furnished with games and toys.

Started in 1951 with financial and technical assistance from Unesco, the library was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Since then, it has grown into one of the leading library systems in the country with branches at Patel Nagar, Karol Bagh and Shahdara.

There is a zonal library at Sarojini Nagar too. The management also runs a special Braille library for the visually challenged, a prison library for the inmates of Tihar Jail and a mobile library to reach out to the areas that do not have a library.

In connection with the anniversary celebrations, the library will provide visitors with a rare glimpse of some of its archived newspapers from the early 1950' s.