American Library Re-opens as 'American Corner' in Hyderabad

American Library (located at Panchsheel Hotel, Behind Ravindra Bharathi) in Hyderabad was closed, in 1960s.  And in 2013 it re-opens at St Francis College for Women, Street Number 6, Uma Nagar, Begumpet  Hyderabad.

What's in a Name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. They called it American Corner, instead of US's Information Center (or USIS), and American Information Centre (AIC) or American Library. Is it simply old wine in a new bottle, or meant to satisfy a new dimension? Will this 'American Corner' succeed in bypassing the American Center--huge library and its resources at the former American Studies Research Centre, now functioning as: Osmania University Centre for International Programmes? Only time can give an answer. See also the link below (on the same shelf).
Anyways, they say, elsewhere what is the name all about:

"We call these libraries “American Corners,” a name chosen for them in Russia where the first such partnerships emerged in the spring of 2000." source: usembassy.gov.  American Corners are dedicated information spaces hosted by different partner institutions in libraries with public access worldwide. These partnerships help introduce visitors to the true story of the United States. By providing a multifunctional platform for public diplomacy programs and offering access to print, multimedia, and other materials. The American Corners help maintain open dialogue, counteract negative preconceptions, and build bridges of understanding. They represent the nation's long-standing commitment to spread the ideas and values of American democracy and civil society.   source: usembassy.gov

 In the news:

Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the US Department of State Wendy Sherman and US Ambassador to India Nancy J Powell today unveiled 'American Corner', seventh in India, at St Francis College for Women in Hyderabad.

It would be a collaboration between the US consulate and the college.

American Corners are dedicated information spaces hosted in schools, colleges, libraries, etc. that help introduce visitors to different aspects of the USA.
"The opening of this new American Corner reinforces what people of India and the United State are already doing - bringing our two countries closer together," Sherman said.

Powell said the American Corner will provide a window on life and culture in the USA.-- Press Trust of India | Updated: May 25, 2013

On the same shelf:

 Here today, more tomorrow, Rrishi Raote  |  

November 22, 2013 business-standard.com

American Studies in India: Cross-Dressing, Anyone? Helle Dale, The Foundry: Conservative Policy News Blog from The Heritage Foundation

Indian contribution to American studies : an assessment by Muhammed Burhanuddin, Mohamed Taher.

The South Asian Americans, by Karen Leonard

How to Be South Asian in America, anupama jain

THE GREAT ENCOUNTER, R K Gupta