Only a book lover can understand another book lover. Isn’t that absolutely true? And we have a separate tribe. You know, all of us who love a hardbound book, with crumpled pages and that peculiar smell. Ah! Okay, so now that we’re done fantasizing, you all should know that there are some super cool libraries in the city where you can devour the world of books. Check them out!
1. Delhi Public Library
Delhi Public Library houses up to a whopping 18 lakh books with different languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit. It has quite a few branches around the city including a Braille library. But one of the largest branches is in Sarojini Nagar. They also have an entire space dedicated to children which houses children’s magazines and books. And if you want to borrow a book, you’ll have to sign up to be a member and issue a borrower card.
Where: Sarojini Nagar, Patel Nagar, S.P.Mukherjee Marg, Karol Bagh & Shahdara
Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM (Sunday Closed)
Contact: 011 2410 1261
2. Japan Foundation Library
Are you a manga (Japanese comics) fan? The Japan Foundation Library is your go-to place for all things Japan! It’s open to the public and also has the latest Japanese magazines and newspapers. Apart from the general reference material, there is an audio-video library (slide-tape presentations, films, television programs) also.
Where: 5A, Ring Rd, Near Moolchand Metro Station, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, Delhi
Timings: 11 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Sunday, Monday)
Contact: 011 2644 2968
3. The American Library
The American Library, which is under the supervision of the United States embassy, is the perfect place for all kinds of readers. The general public can access the library but the Wi-Fi facility is only for the members. Also, the library organizes a wide range of events for the members including movie screenings, art and craft workshops, book launches and book readings. Irrespective of your age, these guys have books all stocked up for you of different genres.
Where: American Center, 24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Near Barakhamba Metro Station, New Delhi
Timings: 10 AM to 5:45 PM (Closed on Sunday, Monday)
Contact: 011 2347 2000
4. The Book Bird Library
The Book Bird India Library popped open in Gurgaon in early July last year. More than 5,000 books in their treasure trove and spread across more than 14 different genres, this library is totally insane! You will find an amazing collection of fiction, non-fiction, religious, sci-fi books and tons more. From award winners and best sellers to children’s books, their shelves will make pick plenty of books in one go!
Where: 106, R4, M3M Urbana, Sector 67, Gurugram, Haryana
Timings: 10 AM to 8:00 PM
Contact: 098730 30102
5. Round The Clock Library
There’s a 24/7 library in our very own Delhi! Round The Clock Library is the one place you can hop down whenever you feel like reading a book or to enjoy some ‘ME TIME’. You will spot a whole lot of North Campus students studying there. They’ve got WiFi, air-conditioned halls, an in-house cafe with tiffin service, lockers and the basic stationery is also available. Need a perfect place to go read it in the wee hours of the night? This is a perfect spot to go for!
Where: G 17, 1st floor, Near, Hudson Lane, Vijay Nagar, Delhi
Timings: 24 hours opened
Contact: 099115 55142
6. Read Between The Lines
Did you know there’s a free library at HUDA city centre metro station? You can drop off any book that you have read and can pick up any other one in exchange. Sounds awesome right? It’s a space for swapping books! On the other hand, you can sit there as long as you wanna sit in the library, and can spend many an afternoon tucked away with a book. But the only rule is that you can’t take the book home unless you replace it with another one. So go ahead and check out this amazing concept RN!
Where: First Floor, North Court Metropark, HUDA City Centre Metro Station
Timings: 11:30 AM – 8 PM
Contact: +911242577899
7. Dyal Singh Public Library
Initially, Dyal Singh Public Library was established in Lahore and then it moved to our very own Delhi by the Dyal Singh Trust Society. The library has a collection of over 40,000 books, in the subject areas of liberal arts, literature, and social sciences. Not just that even it subscribes to 100 different magazines and 32 different newspapers so that you can get a daily dose of current affairs. Apart from the books, it houses audio-visual equipment if any visitor requires it.
Where: 1, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, Mata Sundari Railway Colony, Mandi House, New Delhi
Timings: 9:30 AM To 5:00 PM (Sunday Closed)
Contact: 011 2323 4907
8. Sahitya Akademi Library
One of the well-stocked libraries in the town is the Sahitya Akademi Library. It houses books in Hindi, English and 24 other languages that students, researchers, and anyone can come and refer to. Not just issuing books, they also have a scanning and a photocopying facility in case you need it. The library is also known as the National Academy of Letters, as they are known for promoting literature from India. Mainly focusing on cultural and historical books, you will get everything related to the history here.
Where: 35, Rabindra Bhavan, Firoz Shah Road, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi
Timings: 9:30 AM To 6 PM (Sunday closed)
Contact: 011 2338 6626
(Featured Image Source: Pexels)
