India’s financial capital Mumbai also has to offer booklovers several public libraries. This guide lists the best libraries in Mumbai.
Best libraries in Mumbai
Maharashtra Mitra Mandal Library
Address: Ground Floor, Princess Building, D’Monte Park Road, Bandra West, near Bandra Gymkhana, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Timings: 10 AM-8 PM
Fee: Galaxy Membership (yearly) = 4 books and a magazine at a time for Rs 2,200
Sun Membership (yearly) = 2 books and a magazine at a time for Rs 1,700
Moon Membership (Half yearly/ 6 months)= one book and a magazine at a time for Rs 850.
Maharashtra Mitra Mandal Library is a reputable place for bibliophiles to not just come and read but also share knowledge among themselves. The reading rooms and discussion rooms are designed in such a way that they encourage people to mingle. It also organises literature festivals for its members. Its collection entails a vast Marathi literature.
Asiatic Library
Address: WRJP+P8M, Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Rd, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
Timings: 10 AM-5:30 PM
Fee: Rs 1,500 per year; Rs 15,000 for lifetime membership
Documents required for the membership: Referrals from 2 existing members, a document for address proof, and a photo ID.
Asiatic Library is considered one of the oldest libraries, which consists of old manuscripts, old journals, historic magazines etc. You can find old newspapers here, which will give you a glimpse of the old eras. They are converting these old artefacts into digital forms for more people to access.
JN Petit Library
Address: 312, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji Rd, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 7 AM-8:30 PM
Fees: Rs 1,000 a year
This library in Mumbai has been nestled in an imperial building in a fort since 1856. The library has a vast collection of old and rare manuscripts, journals, etc., which can not be found anywhere else. It also houses a massive collection of over 150,000 copies of books. It regularly updates its collections and has books for every kind of reader.
Trilogy Library And Book Store
Address: 1 Carter Road, Chimbai Koliwada, Behind BMC Pump House Near Joggers Park, opposite Dhaval Ganga, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050
Timings: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 2:30–6:30 PM
Fee: Membership plans start at Rs 300 per month with a Rs 1,000 deposit.
If you are looking for books in Bandra, this is right for you. The library has a massive collection of books in every genre, and the owners will happily show you around to know your preference and recommend accordingly. It also has a children’s section.
People’s Free Reading And Library
Address: WRVH+FCH, JSS Road, Opp Metro Inox Cinemas, Dhobi Talao, Sonapur, Marine Lines, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
Timings: 9 AM- 7 PM
Fee: Membership starts at Rs 200 /month and Quarterly fees at Rs 500
If you are looking to spend time among books in South Bombay, PFRL is for you. This library in Mumbai specialises in publications from the British era of India. It offers subsidised memberships to students, which is why its reading rooms are full most of the time.
David Sassoon Library
Address: 152, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Off David Sassoon, Library Marg, Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM
Fees (approx): Rs 3,600 for an annual membership. Rs 25,000 for a lifetime membership.
One of the oldest heritage libraries in the city with WiFi facilities, e-learning, and e-books too is the David Sassoon Library. Its reading room is the best place to spend time while gathering knowledge of the world. It is open till late during exam season for students to stay focused. It is open on all days of the week.
FAQs
What are some popular libraries in Mumbai?
Some popular libraries in Mumbai include the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room, Asiatic Society Library, People’s Free Reading And Library, etc.
What is the Asiatic Society Library famous for?
The Asiatic Society Library is renowned for its rich collection of rare manuscripts, ancient texts, and historical documents. It's one of the oldest libraries in Mumbai and is frequented by scholars and researchers.
What languages are books available in at Mumbai libraries?
Mumbai libraries generally have books available in various languages, including English, Marathi, Hindi, and sometimes other regional languages. Some libraries may also have sections dedicated to foreign language literature.
Are these libraries open to the public?
Yes, most of these libraries are open to the public. However, some may require you to become a member or pay a nominal fee to access their services and borrow books.
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