panaji the goa state central library has cordoned off its study rooms to stave off large gatherings the study rooms see an average of 60 students at any given timewhile the remainder of the library including the rare archives section can presently be used by visitors this privilege may also soon be denied as officials are planning to close the space till march 31 as a preemptive measure against coronaviruswe are having a discussion with the directorate of art and culture to keep the library closed till march 31 we will announce the dates of closure soon library curator carlos fernandes saiduntil then the housekeeping staff and those manning the booklending counter have been asked to wear masks the library is also being frequently sanitisedhowever unlike other public spaces we cannot spray the books here with disinfectant the shelves and cupboards are being cleaned every few hours but the sanitation of books requires a scientific process fernandes saidthe library saw a huge gathering of students on monday the day from which schools in goa were ordered to be closed the staff said that working parents brought their children there because they didnt want them to be at home alone however other readers raised apprehensions about the library getting crowdedsome readers themselves have requested us to close the library due to fears surrounding coronavirus they are aware of the gravity of the situation fernandes saidten other libraries town district and talukalevel in the state that come under the central library may also be shut till the end of this month