IN THIS POST
– Quaid-e-Azam Library
– Punjab Public Library
– Dyal Singh Trust Library
– British Council Lahore Library
– Defence Public Library
– Government Model Town Library
For those who live in Lahore, finding a well-equipped public library in the city is a piece of a cake. The sprawling metropolis is home to some of the most historic and renowned libraries in the country, which allow book lovers from all walks of life to get immersed in a world of literature, history, arts, science, geography and other disciplines – that too at very affordable rates. Most public libraries in Lahore offer a wide collection of books in multiple languages as well as newspapers and magazines from all across the country. They are a great resource for students, researchers and avid readers.
Some of these iconic libraries in Lahore are located inside historic buildings that even predate the independence of Pakistan. Therefore, whether you are a resident of the city or are just visiting for a short while, you should consider checking out at least a few of these places regardless of your love for books and reading.
Since we have already covered the top public libraries in Islamabad as well as the best libraries in Karachi, it is about time we discussed the list of libraries in Lahore that are open to the general public.
Let’s take a look at the facilities, location, contact details and membership fees at some of the best libraries in Lahore.
Quaid-e-Azam Library
The magnificent Quaid-e-Azam Library is located inside the beautiful Bagh-e-Jinnah or Jinnah Garden in Jubilee Town Lahore. The park was formerly known as Lawrence Garden and continues to be one of the most popular picnic spots in Lahore.
The library was built in the mid-1800s under the British Empire. In the years following its construction, this building was used as the Lahore Gymkhana Club as well as an academy for administrative training. Former President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq officially turned this stunning white complex into the Quaid-e-Azam Library on December 25, 1984.
This popular library in Lahore comprises two neoclassical-style halls, known as Montgomery Hall and Lawrence Hall. It also has a collection of more than 125,000 books in various languages, including Urdu, English and Persian.
Some of the most noteworthy facilities available at the Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore include a computer lab, CSS study room, printing and photocopy room, cafeteria, comfortable sitting areas, praying area, and newspaper archives, among others.
Address: Bagh-e-Jinnah, Mall Road, Jubilee Town, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99203371, 042-99203833
Timings: Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Friday 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Membership Fee
The Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore offers six types of memberships. Here is a fee breakdown to help you out.
| Membership Type | Membership Fee | Security Fee |
| General | PKR 300 per year | PKR 500 |
| Student | PKR 100 per year | PKR 500 |
| Life | PKR 10,000 (once) | — |
| Honorary | — | — |
| Casual | PKR 100 per month | PKR 200 |
| Senior Citizen | — | — |
Punjab Public Library
Established in 1884, Punjab Public Library is considered the oldest library in Pakistan. It began operating in the Baradari Wazir Khan, which was constructed by Governor of Lahore Nawab Wazir Khan under the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. In 1939, the library was expanded and other blocks were built. Following the independence of Pakistan, then-Governor of West Pakistan General Mohammad Musa inaugurated the Bait-ul-Quran section as well as a block housing the auditorium in 1968.
The historic Punjab Public Library is located on Liberty Road at a short distance from the magnificent Lahore Museum – one of the must-visit museums in Lahore. The old campus of the Punjab University, famous Anarkali Bazaar, Civil Secretariat and Metropolitan Corporation Lahore offices are also situated in the vicinity of this library in Lahore.
The library holds a collection of approximately 300,000 books in various languages, newspapers, magazines and old gazettes. It also owns about 1500 manuscripts. Other than that, the Punjab Public Library receives 12 daily newspapers, 24 journals and 170 magazines.
The main facilities available at the Punjab Public Library in Lahore include comfortable reading halls, record section, book borrowing facility, internet service, photocopy service and an auditorium, to name a few.
Address: Library Road, Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-99211649
Timings: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Saturday 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Membership Fee
Here is all you need to know about becoming a member of the Punjab Public Library.
| Membership Type | Membership Fee | Security Fee | Books Issued |
| General | PKR 300 per year | PKR 1,000 | 02 |
| Students | PKR 50 per year | PKR 500 | 02 |
| Children | PKR 50 per year | PKR 500 | 02 |
| Lifetime | PKR 5,000 (once) | — | 04 |
Dyal Singh Trust Library
The Dyal Singh Trust Library in Gawalmandi is one of the most renowned libraries in Lahore. It was established at the residence of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia in the pursuance of his will. In 1928, the library was shifted to its current location, though it had to be closed down between 1947 and 1964 due to migration of its trustees. Later in 1964, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) of the Government of Pakistan took the administrative control of the Dyal Singh Trust Library, once again opening its gate to the public. Then in 1985, the administrative control of this historic library was transferred to the provincial government before being given back to the ETPB in 1989.
Today, this iconic library in Lahore is considered as both a literary as well as an architectural gem. The Dyal Singh Trust Library has a collection of about 182,673 books in multiple languages, manuscripts and newspapers. Moreover, around 1500 to 2000 are added to this library on an annual basis. It has also published about 108 books and journals.
Some of the facilities offered to the readers at the Dyal Singh Trust Library include a newspaper reading section, children’s section, a separate reading room for women, photocopy services, computer stations, and internet facilities, among others.
Address: Nisbat Road, Qila Gujar Singh, Gawalmandi, Lahore
Phone Number: 0423-7229483, 0423-7229596
Membership Fee
Let’s take a look at the types of memberships offered at this library in Lahore as well as the membership fee, refundable security fee and the number of books issued per person.
| Membership Type | Membership Fee | Security Fee | Books Issued |
| General Students | PKR 50 per year | PKR 400 | 3 books for 1 month |
| Medical Students | PKR 50 per year | PKR 500 | 2 books for 2 months |
| General | PKR 50 per year | PKR 500 | 4 books for 1 month |
| Children | PKR 20 per year | PKR 20 | 4 books for 1 month |
| Lifetime | PKR 2000 (once) | — | 4 books for 1 month |
British Council Lahore Library
For those who love reading, the British Council Lahore Library is a brilliant place to sit down and read in a comfortable setting. Considered one of the best libraries in Lahore, this single-floor facility is located on the premises of British Council in Lahore. Owing to its layout, wide doors, shelves and ramps, this library is particularly popular among differently-abled and wheelchair-bound residents as they can move freely about the place.
The library has an impressive collection of books and a charming reading area. However, unlike conventional libraries, the setup of the British Council Lahore Library reminds one of a community centre where people can sit together and enjoy books on different disciplines in various languages.
The British Council Lahore Library is also used for documentary screenings, interactive sessions and other literary activities. There is also a small café situated within the library that allows members to order refreshment and snacks.
Members of this library in Lahore have access to books, e-books, digital graphic novels, online magazines, journals and much more.
Address: British Council, 65 Mozang Road, Lahore.
Phone Number: 0800-22000
Timings: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Membership Fee
To become a member of the British Council Lahore Library, you will be required to complete a small tour. However, here are the types of memberships offered by the library along with the annual fee schedule and the borrowing limit.
| Membership Type | Membership Fee | Borrowing Limit |
| Individual | PKR 6,000 per year | Up to 6 items at a time |
| Family | PKR 15,000 per year | Up to 20 items |
| Digital | PKR 3,500 per year | — |
Defence Public Library
The Defence Public Library in Lahore is another great spot for avid readers, students and researchers in the city. Located in Phase 3 of Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore, this modern double-storey facility is also referred to as the DHA Library Lahore. The comfortable reading rooms, seating areas, central air-conditioning, and free internet connections are some of the main facilities that attract residents of Lahore to visit this library.
The library in DHA Lahore has an impressive collection of both fiction and non-fiction reading material. It also offers photocopy and printing services, has a children’s reading area with colourful tables and tiny chairs, separate rooms for women and senior citizens, tea bar for refreshments and snacks, audio-visual room for conferences, video conferencing facility, and much more. It is also registered with the Higher Education Commission and National Digital Library.
Events such as art exhibitions are also organized at this well-maintained and well-stocked library in Lahore.
Address: Street No. 22, Sector Z, Phase 3, Defence Housing Authority, Lahore.
Phone Number: 042-37100944, 042-35734031
Timings: Sunday – Friday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Membership Fee
The membership for this library is not limited to the residents of DHA. Anyone can become a member of the Defence Public Library in Lahore after paying the fee and submitting the required documents.
| Membership Type | Membership Fee | Security Fee |
| General | PKR 150 per year | PKR 500 |
| Student | PKR 100 per year | PKR 500 |
| Family | PKR 500 per year | PKR 800 |
| Lifetime | PKR 5000 (once) | — |
| DHA Employee | — | — |
| Temporary | — | PKR 1000 |
| Tenant | PKR 500 per year | PKR 1500 |
Government Model Town Library
Model Town Lahore, one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city, also has its own library. Established in 1983, this government library in Lahore only used to cater to the residents of the housing society. However, with the passage of time, this exclusive Government Model Town Library was turned into a public facility, open to people of all ages regardless of where they live in the city.
Considered one of the best libraries in Lahore, the Government Model Town Library boasts an impressive collection of books, periodicals, magazines, and newspapers. It also features a computer lab with internet facility along with free WiFi.
The administration of this library in Model Town Lahore also uses the well-maintained public facility as a venue for book exhibitions and other literary events.
Address: F-Block, Circular Road, Model Town, Lahore
Phone Number: 042-99332977
Timings: Monday – Saturday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Friday 8:00 AM to 12 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Membership Fee: N/A
This brings an end to our guide detailing the best libraries in Lahore. If you have any comments or queries, feel free to share them with us at blog@zameen.com.
Also, please note that the timings of these public libraries in Lahore might be affected due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, make sure to contact the library before visiting it.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in learning about the history of the bustling metropolis that was once at the centre of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent, don’t forget to take a look at the most popular historical buildings in Lahore as well as the hidden historical gems in the City of Gardens that most people don’t know about.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the membership fees mentioned above have been extracted from the official websites and social media pages of the respective libraries.
