There is no better paradise for a bibliophile like the serene ambience of a library . The long aisles , big wooden stacks filled with tons of books of every subject , size , shape and colour possible adjacent to the tables and chairs where you can sit for hours devouring your favourite books , there is certainly something romantic in the mere of idea of libraries . It certainly wouldn’t harm to take a little break from our kindles and go old -school to check out these amazing libraries that you need to visit to remind you back of your school or college days.
1.Delhi Public Library
Being a national depository library and having almost 35 branches across the state it’s a home to more than 18 lakh books. With its membership costing you less than your favourite soda drink, the accessibility to the library is free for the general public on presentation of an ID proof. Your mind will be blown on the plethora of genre one can find in this library. It’s a perfect example of “you name it, they have it”
Where – Delhi Public Library has branches all across the state. Find your nearest one here
Membership – For as less as INR 20
Timings- Flexible according to the centres, generally 10 am – 7pm
2. Sahitya Kala Akademi Library
Being amongst one of the popular libraries across the state, the sahitya kala academy library is a multi- lingual library with a rich collection of more than 2 lakh books written in over 24 languages. Its specialized collections include enriched reference books focusing mainly on Indian and World literature, philosophy, religion, art and culture. The library also maintains an online catalogue giving access to you to browse through to see if the books you wish to read are available.
Where – 35, Feroz Shah road, New Delhi
Membership – membership forms available online
Timings- 9.30 am to 6.00 pm (Monday to Saturday)
Website- http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/sahitya-akademi/library/timings.jsp
3.Dyal Singh Public Library
Originally established at Lahore, it was moved to Delhi in 1954 and is now run by Dayal Singh library trust society. Addition to its subscription of over 100 magazines and 23 daily newspaper the library is equipped with over 40,000 books spread across the genres of Literature, Social Sciences, History, International Relations, Management, Information Technology and Philosophy . The library is also equipped with modern audio – video section in its process to add modern touch to its infrastructure.
Where – Deen Dayal Upadhyay marg , Minto Road
Timings -9.30 AM – 5.30 PM (Monday – Saturday)
Membership- INR 500 for borrowing books
Website- http://www.dspl.org.in/About%20Us.html
4.The American Library
The library is free for public access for exploring, reference or research. However, for borrowing the books one needs to be a member and be of age 16 and above with proper photo identification. Members are entitled to borrow six books for four weeks, two back issues of periodicals and two DVDs for four weeks. The library also provides services such as free wifi , access to library’s and photocopying facility.
Where – American Embassy 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg
Timings – 11am – 6 pm (Monday- Saturday)
Membership – Individual: INR 400 for one year
Family membership: INR 500 for one year
Website- https://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/contact-us/library-registration-form.html
5.Delhi University Central Library
The library holds a spectacular mix of genres of books catering the students and professors alike. The huge stacks are stocked up with books of rare genre mixed with the recent works. A digital collection on their online page makes it easier for you to find the books of your desire. An added feature of the online catalogue also helps you to browse through to find the item of your choice in the library holdings. Fulfilment of the membership form on production of the identity card with stamped letter by the college officials is all you require for being the member.
Where- Chhatra Marg, Arts Faculty, University Enclave, New Delhi
Timings- 9am – 8m (Monday – Saturday), 9am – 6pm (Sundays and holidays)
Membership- 1000 INR for a year (for students only)
Website- http://crl.du.ac.in/cl/
6.British Council Library
Whether you want a quiet space for study or access to some of the best cultural programming in India, you will find everything you need at the British Council library giving you access to more than 80,000 online academic books and 14,000 e-journals online on being its member . The library offers a variety of membership plans to suit your requirement.
Where – British Council Division, British High Commission 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg New Delhi
Timings- 10 am – 6pm (Monday – Saturday)
Membership – 1600 INR per individual with different membership plans to choose from
Website- https://www.britishcouncil.in/library/about
7.Parliament Library
The largest library in the state and the second largest in the country, the parliament library is a storehouse of publications comprising mainly of Departmental reports, proceedings of Legislatures, Statutes etc. With the option of digital library on their website one can browse online journals and publications
Where – Gokul Nagar, Central Secretariat, New Delhi
Website- http://164.100.47.134/plibrary/Home.htm
Go, take some time off and spend an afternoon with yourself, reading an old novel, walking and exploring the aisles of these authentic libraries and reliving your old school days.
Credits: Bhavna Bisht
