Best Public Libraries of Lahore

Book reading is essential for the personal development in life. No one can gain knowledge without consulting good books. Reading habits are lead to a nation on the path of success. Schools, colleges, universities, and libraries are the hub of knowledge. Unfortunately, these are all sectors ignored continuously by the governments of Pakistan since 1947. The infrastructure of libraries and schools had old and deteriorated. On the other hand, public libraries should be building according to the population of the country. There was dire need to improve the infrastructure of public libraries of Lahore, renovation and fumigation labs to preserve the antique books.

Punjab Public Library

Established in November 1884, it is one of the largest Public libraries of Lahore where many people go there and study and get knowledge about different things. Library Collection includes books, bound volumes of back numbers of magazines/ newspapers, reports, the old gazettes of Punjab, Pakistan, and undivided India, and more than 1500 manuscripts. An imperial building of great historical importance built by Nawab Wazir Khan, the governor of Lahore, during Emperor Shahjahan’s reign with the assistance of the government of the Punjab. The Punjab Public Library, Lahore, lies in the heart of the city of Lahore at Library Road near the Lahore museum, off Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam.

Quaid e Azam Library

One of the most well-organized libraries, equipped with modern facilities Library named as “Quaid-e-Azam Library”, named after “Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah”. It is located in the most famous gardens of Lahore, which was named as “Lawrence Gardens” by the Britishers. But after the independence of Pakistan, it was named Bagh-e-Jinnah (Jinnah’s Garden), that’s why this library is also named after The Jinnah. The library has a has a collection of 125,000 books in English, Urdu, Arabic, and Persian. The library has the capacity of 250 readers at a time. A good number of microfilms of rare documents, journals, and newspapers are also available for the researchers. Newspaper clipping files on 130 topics are also maintained. The computerised cataloguing, reading and research facilities through the internet are available for research scholars, students, and the general public.

Quaid-e-Azam Library

Dyal Singh Trust Library

One the greatest sons of Punjab in the second half of 19th century Dyal Singh Majithia was a versatile and amazing personality. The Dyal Singh Trust Library was established by Sardar Dyal Majithia in Lahore in 1908. The Library was initially established in the Residence of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia and upon completion of the existing building it was shifted there. In 1947, it was closed due to the migration of its Trustees. It started re-functioning in 1964 when its administrative control was taken over by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Government of Pakistan. It is one of the best and biggest public libraries of Lahore. This Library has published about 108 books (including “Minhaj” Journal) on different topics of Islam.Two new blocks have been added to facilitate the increasing number of readers.

Dyal Singh Trust Library

Defence Public library

Defence Public Library(DPL) works to position itself as an essential destination that both serves and reflects our community. Defence Public Library is registered with Higher Education Commission, National Digital Library, American Library Association, Stratfor (Strategic Forum, USA), The Guardian. the library was founded in the year 2000 having 50,000 books and 5,000 members. This library is one of the best well-organized public libraries of Lahore. The total number of employees is 13 and there are 25 computers for users.

Defence Public Library

Punjab University Main Library

The Punjab University has a central library, which is called ‘Punjab University Library’. It was established in 1873 as ‘Punjab University College Library’. One of an essential needs of the University, if it was to become a real center of learning, was the development of its library. The library has an extensive collection of  books. The staff is sensitive to the modern needs and has made available the online resources. The collection is updated on regular basis and appropriate recommendations from students are also appreciated.

Punjab University Main Library