Libraries are storehouses of knowledge that can never lose their importance. From the peaceful ambiance to an unlimited supply of knowledge, libraries are a reader’s heaven.
In Pakistan, multiple libraries in the major cities offer access to the general public. If you are looking for a library in Lahore, we are here with 10 popular options with their details.
Libraries in Lahore
Below are 10 libraries in Lahore with their timings, membership, and contact details:
- Dyal Singh Trust Library
- British Council Lahore Library
- Government Punjab Public Library
- Government Model Town Library Lahore
- Abroo Barkat Hussain Public Library
- Quaid-e-Azam Library
- Defense Public Library
- Chughtai Public Library
- Dar-Us-Salam Library
- Lahore Gymkhana Library
Now let’s get into the details of each library one by one.
1. Dyal Singh Trust Library
The Dyal Singh Trust Library came into existence in 1908. The library has published 108 books so far and the number of books stored in the library is around 182673. There are books in Urdu, English, and other languages.
The library has computer labs and a digital catalog of all the books for easy accessibility.
Membership:
A subscription fee of PKR 20 to PKR 50, and security of PKR 20 to PKR 2000 is charged based on the type of membership
Contact Number: 042-99211043–45
Email: info@etpb.gov.pk
Address: Qila Gujar Singh, Nisbat Road, Gawal Mandi, Lahore
2. British Council Lahore Library
The British Council Lahore Library promotes interaction and collaborative learning. The library aims to make learning accessible to everyone therefore they have special ramps installed for people in wheelchairs.
The library prioritizes security therefore there are scanners and walk-through gates for high security.
Membership: The membership fee varies from PKR 3,500 (per year) to PKR 15,000 (per year).
Timings:
- Tuesday- Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
- Sun- Mon : closed
Contact Number: 0800-22000
Email: librarylhr@britishcouncil.org.pk
Address: Mozang Road, Lahore
3. Government Punjab Public Library
The Government of Punjab Public Library is the largest in the country. The library offers books in English, Persian, Urdu Arabic, and Punjabi along with some other locally spoken languages.
There are over 0.35 million books, magazines, bound volumes, and even manuscripts from the time when India was not divided.
Timings:
- Mon-Thu: 8 am – 8 pm
- Fri: 8 am – 7 pm
- Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
- Sun: Closed
Contact Number: 042-99211649
Email: punjabpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Address: The Mall Lahore, Library Road, Lahore
4. Government Model Town Library Lahore
The library was founded in 1983. Today, it has over 50,000 books. The library has 15,000 members and offers free internet, newspapers, and books on demand.
Timings:
- Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
- Sun: Closed
Contact Number: 042-99332977
Email: punjabpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Address: Model Town, Circular Road, F-Block, Lahore
5. Abroo Barkat Hussain Public Library
The library was founded in 2005 to facilitate the students and the general public close to the Aabroo Welfare School. The school aims to educate underprivileged students and the library serves the same purpose.
All the students of the Aabroo Welfare School are given memberships by default to make sure they get the best opportunity for learning.
Contact Number: 042-35923337
Email: info@aabroo.org
Address: Rohi Nala, Atta Buksh road, ahead of Ashyana, Lahore
6. Quaid-e-Azam Library
The Quaid-e-Azam Library is a reader’s heaven with multiple books from different fields, computer labs, Kindle device (on demand), study rooms, printing and photocopy services, and a cafeteria as well. On top of that, the library has a collection of rare books collected over the years.
To benefit from the positive vibe, you can avail the different kinds of memberships the library has to offer. For senior citizens, the membership is completely free.
Membership:
- General: PKR 300 fee + PKR 500 security
- Student: PKR 100 fee + PKR 500 security
- Life: PKR 10,000 (one-time)
- Honorary: none
- Casual: PKR 100 (per month) + PKR 200 security
- Senior Citizen: none
Timings:
- Mon-Sat: 8 am – 8 pm
- Sun: Closed
Contact Number: 042-99201007, 042-99203371, 042-99203833
Email: qallahore@gmail.com
Address: Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore
7. Chughtai Public Library
The Chughtai Public Library aims to provide good quality learning experiences to the masses. They aim to do that by offering books from different areas including culture, art, science, medicine, jurisprudence, education, and philosophy.
They also offer a “Library on Wheels” where books are transported to less privileged people.
Membership: Free for everyone!
Timings:
- Mon-Sat: 7 am – 12 am
- Sun: 9 am – 12 am
Contact Number: 042-35750368
Email: info@cplpk.org
Address: Gulberg-2, Canal Park, Lahore
8. Defense Public Library
The library offers an opportunity for students to peacefully study and benefit from the many books the library has to offer.
From children to adults and from school going kids to CSS students, the library facilitates everyone alike.
Membership:
There are various membership categories that one can choose from:
- General membership: costs PKR 1000 registration fee, 300 annual fees, and PKR 200 for the library card.
- DHAES Students: costs PKR 1000 registration fee, 200 annual fees, and PKR 200 for the library card.
- Temporary Smart membership (1 month): costs PKR 3000
- Temporary Premium (3 months without extension): PKR 6000
- Lifetime: costs PKR 10,000 registration fee, and PKR 200 for the library card
- DHA Tenants: costs PKR 5000 registration fee, 1000 annual fee, and PKR 200 for the library card.
Timings:
- Fri-Sun: 9 am – 9 pm
Contact Number: 042-35734031, 042-37100944
Email: info@dpllahore.org
Address: DHA, Z-Block Phase – III, Street No. 33, Lahore
9. Dar-Us-Salam Library
The Dar-Us-Salam Library has a rich history. The library was founded in 1966 aiming to make education and learning easy for every student. It allowed students to borrow books so they can study in the best possible ways.
The venue today stretches over 5460 Sq. Ft with 4 halls and 40,000 books. The library can accommodate 200 people.
Membership: PKR 300 annual fee and PKR 500 security (refundable)
Timings:
- Mon-Sun: 9 am – 9 pm
Contact Number: 042-99201272, 042-99201273
Email: info@darussalam.org.pk
Address: Dar-us-Salam Library, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore.
10. Lahore Gymkhana Library
The Lahore Gymkhana library offers an elite experience and a quiet atmosphere to readers. It is located in the basement of a club giving readers a quiet place to unwind.
The library has a range of books for the readers to choose from. To become a member, you need to apply for the club membership in order to access the library.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: 042-35756689
Email: secretary@lahoregymkhana.org.pk
Address: Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Main Club Building, Gulberg V, Lahore
Final Words
In this article, we explored 10 libraries in Lahore with their timings, membership, and contact details. We found some interesting options and some historic places that hold rare books.
We hope this article helped you in finding the right library for your taste. Do check out the website for content on education, travel, food, and more!
