I checked some libraries in Goa and I found there were not many Goan authored books in those libraries including mine. I went to the Francisco Luis Gomes Library in Navelim and I could not find my novel, ”The Sixth Night” there. When I inquired they said someone has to recommend a book before they could acquire it and books normally are acquired by the Panjim Library. The last time I went to Panjim Library, I could not find my book “The Sixth Night” there too. Then I went to Margao Public Library and it was not available there too. All librarians said I could donate my book to them though. I can’t believe libraries in Goa cannot buy books by Goan authors when they have invested crores of rupees in them. Not one library that I know of in Goa carries my book . Isn’t it a shame? Last time I went to Goa , this January, I had given two copies of my book to the Francisco Luis Gomes Library in Navelim, mostly for sentimental reasons as my novel starts off in Navelim. But they have not contacted me ever since and I don’t even know if they carry my book there. There is not even a contact for me to check online. In contrast my book appears in about 34 libraries of the famous Universities throughout the world, including University of Cambridge. I don’t know of anyone who could have recommended to these libraries. Check out: http://www.worldcat.org/title/sixth-night-a-novel/oclc/61282310?loc=M9B6C4&tab=holdings Now who’s afraid of what? I don’t think it’s the budget. What then? A conspiracy? What happened to the Freedom of Expression or Freedom to depict the wrongs of our society of yester years? Ask the Librarians of Goa’s white elephant Libraries!
