I’d not spent much time in libraries on this trip. So I was happy to discover the National Library was in Kolkata.
The National Library, a grand colonial mansion, started as the Calcutta Public Library in 1836. It was originally non-governmental, funded by public donations and run by a committee of Europeans and Indians. In 1903, it merged with the Imperial Library under the British Raj. After India’s independence, it was renamed the National Library in 1948.
The library holds over 2½ million books. As a repository library, it receives a copy of every book published in India.
In the foyer of the library building was a QR code about getting free membership. I tried to enrol but then found it didn’t apply to me. Instead, I got a visitor’s pass from the security guards.
Visitors weren’t allowed to take anything into the library itself! That was inconvenient because I wanted to use my laptop. Inside the library, I asked a librarian if it was possible to bring my laptop in. He thought about it briefly then said it was possible. He took me to another office and gave me a one-day reader’s pass. I exited the library and went back to the reception hall. I retrieved my laptop from my rucksack. In India, you must be prepared to ask several people a question. If you don’t get the answer you want initially, try again!
I was happily typing away on my laptop. Suddenly, a man a couple of metres away from me let out a muffled scream. A security guard reacted instantly. She rushed to the man, as he started clawing at his face. She grabbed his hand. Others soon surrounded him. Within a minute, everyone in the library was around him. There was a shout asking for a doctor. Surely, in a study and research library, there must be a medic.
Two people took control. I’m not sure if they were doctors. It appeared nobody knew what to do. Lots of people were offering advice. One person shouted “Seizure”. It could have been the first security guard. Perhaps, she knew the man’s history.
The man was lowered on the floor. He was now sitting on the floor instead of a chair. Then another chair was brought close to him. He was lifted into that chair. He had gone from a lower chair into a slightly higher chair via the floor.
I was sure from my first aid training years ago that they weren’t doing the right things if this was a seizure. I asked ChatGPT what you should do if someone has a seizure. The reply was something different from what was unfolding in front of me.
I was going to say something. However, no one knew what caused the man to cry out. My contribution would have added to the confusion.
The security guards repeatedly told people to return to their seats. At first, they did. However, they slowly drifted back. The occasional repeated request resulted in fewer and fewer people going back to their seats and desks. Eventually, the security guards gave up and focused on the man.
In the meantime, the man became conscious. He appeared to be hallucinating. The ambulance was taking a long time. This was not surprising given the traffic in Kolkata.
Eventually, someone, who was not a paramedic, brought in a hospital-style wheelchair into the library. The man was lifted into that and wheeled out.
And that was that. Everyone went back to their desks. I don’t know what happened to the man who may have had a seizure.