Ranchi: With libraries shut for almost a year now since the nationwide lockdown in March, a large section of aspirants of various competitive examinations are yearning for access to good books and most importantly, a proper space to study without being disturbed. The state capital of Ranchi has several government and private libraries, such as the central library, state library and Ram Krishna Mission Library that usually see a lot of footfall. However, with no permission to function, the halls are mostly deserted. Harishchandra Singh, an employee of the state library, said, “In normal times, the library used to remain full for 11 hours every day. I have often seen students sitting on the floor and reading books due to lack of space. Now, all the halls are vacant, deserted.”