Some Popular Public Libraries in Karachi

Public Libraries in Karachi:
Defence Central Library
Frere Hall Public Library
Rangoonwala Community Centre Library
Street Libraries in Karahi

We have recently shared some libraries in Islamabad, where we have listed both public and community libraries that are easily accessible by the general public. This time around, we will take a look at some popular public libraries in Karachi. 

The advancement in technology has made its way into the world of books. As such, books have been replaced by screens while kindle and digital books have taken over the world by storm. People hardly read a hardcover book anymore. However, there are still a few public libraries in Karachi that are preserving the reading culture. 

List of Public Libraries in Karachi 

If you’re someone who loves to read, and want to explore libraries in the City of Lights, take a look at some of the popular libraries in Karachi: 

• Defence Central Library 
• Frere Hall Public Library 
• Rangoonwala Community Centre Library 
• Street Library 

Defence Central Library

Established in the early 1990s, Defence Central Library (DCL) is one of the most popular libraries in Karachi. The literary building has a plethora of books from a wide array of genres. The DCL also features a children’s library. It makes the library a spot that is visited by people from different age groups. 

The library is well-maintained and features various issues such as daily newspapers, updated book inventory, a speedy internet connection, and a state-of-the-art digital library for its readers and frequent visitors. The library is also a host to several programs and activities that take place in the auditorium. 

Following are the complete details for Defence Central Library: 

• Website: http://www.dclkarachi.com
• Email: info@dclkarachi.com
• Phone Number: 021-35888859
• Address: Sunset boulevard, Phase II, DHA, Karachi. 
• Timings: 

Saturday to Thursday: 09.00 am to 09.00 pm 

Fridays: Closed

Frere Hall Public Library 

Frere Hall was built in the 1860s during the British era, and served as Karachi’s Town Hall initially. Soon after the British rule ended, Frere Hall was converted into a public library. The library is home to a good number of books for avid readers. 

The Frere Hall Library is often referred to as the Liaquat Library – with its magnificent, and colonial-era inspired structure located in the Frere Town area near Clifton. The details for Liaquat Library are provided below: 

• Website: http://www.fb.com/FrereHall 
• Phone Number: 021 – 39920432 
• Timings: 

Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm 

Friday: 9 am to 12.30 pm | 2.30 pm to 5 pm. 

Rangoonwala Hall & Community Centre Library

The Rangoonwala Community Centre Library is home to over 7000 books in different genres and literatures including English, Urdu, and Gujrati. It is located in Dhoraji Society and is a place loved by avid readers.  

The reading room in the building is equipped with newspapers and magazines from well-known publishers, which can be read while in the premises. Around 36,000 book readers and admirers visit the library, annually. If someone wishes to borrow a book, they will be required to deposit a small amount of caution money in case they lose or damage the book. 

The details for the library are as follows: 

• Website: http://www.rcc.com.pk/vml.html
• Email: zvmgrcc@yahoo.com 
• Phone Number: 021-34935168; 021-34938146
• Address: Siraj-ud-Daula Road Dhoraji Society CP & Berar CHS, Karachi Sindh, 74800
• Timings:
  Monday to Thursday: 9 am to 1 pm | 2 pm to 7:30 pm 

Friday: 9 am to 1 pm | 3 pm to 7:30 pm 

Street Library in Karachi 

This is the roundabout in #Lyari where the #StreetLibrary has been established. The roundabout was nicely redone and so were the roads by #SindhGovt & DMC South. https://t.co/TuzTC5bSLe pic.twitter.com/zbuLNFOH2h

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) August 19, 2020

When we’re talking about preserving the reading culture with libraries, we can’t overlook the street libraries in Karachi. City’s first-ever street library was inaugurated in the year 2019, and has been in the limelight since then. The street libraries – also known as 24 hours library in Karachi – are situated in both Lyari and Civil Lines.

They function on the “take a book, leave a book” principles. There are wooden shelves installed along the wall and are stacked with books from various genres. 

The details for the street libraries in Karachi are as follows: 

• Address for Street Library in Civil Lines: 242 Fatima Jinnah Rd, Civil Lines, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh
• Address for Street Library in Lyari: Gul Muhammadi Line, Chakiwara No. 1, Lyari, Karachi.
• Timings: Open 24 Hours  

The reading culture in Pakistan has reduced to a point where you hardly see people with a book, and those that read choose to do it on their kindles or other electronic devices. In such scenarios, seeing a functional and crowded library in Karachi is a relief. On honorary mention when talking about libraries in Karachi would be the British Council Karachi library that has been a home to a wide range of books for the longest period of time; it has been closed some years ago although, it has recently become functional again. 

If you know of libraries that we may have missed out, or have any further questions about the provided information, write to us at blog@jagahonline.com. For more lifestyle updates, follow us on our blog and read about the latest things happening around you! 

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