Technology may be constantly challenging the existence of the printed word, however, there are people who are relentlessly trying hard for the sustenance of reading culture in Karachi. When you visit the famous, well-maintained public libraries in Karachi, you get an idea of the city’s rich literary culture. Annual literature festivals are held in the city; these events usually attract a large number of people.
However, there’s a lot more bookworms can explore in the city. Have a look:
Public And Private Libraries
There are many public and private libraries in Karachi. Some of these libraries are located in separate buildings specified for library use while others are formed as a part of bigger projects like different types of leisure clubs and educational institutions. Below is a list of some of the most popular libraries found across Karachi.
Defence Central Library
Established in the early 1990s, Defence Central Library, shorten as DCL, is a very one of the most popular libraries in Karachi located in the area of DHA. It has a properly maintained set up having a vast array of books based on different genres. This facility is regularly visited by people of different ages. Being a well-maintained library, it is a hub of information providing features like daily newspapers, updated book inventory, speedy internet connection, state-of-the-art digital library and a fully equipped Children’s library. Different types of language programs and auditorium activities are also held at Defence Central Library.
Frere Hall Library
Frere Hall was originally built in the 1860s with the purpose to serve as Karachi’s Town Hall during the British era. However, when the British rule came to an end, Frere was converted into a public library. This old structure still magnificently stands in the area of Frere Town near Clifton Karachi. The library in Frere Hall is now known as Liaquat National Library. People visiting this library can easily choose from a wide selection of books and fulfil their desire to read in a quiet and peaceful environment. Bookworms in Karachi can visit the Liaquat National Library in Frere Halls at any time of the day as it remains open from 9am to 5pm during weekdays.
PECHS Library And Reading Room
PECHS Library & Reading Room is located in the prime vicinity of PECHS Block 2 near Tariq Road. A large collection of books of different genres is available in this library. People belonging to different age groups who live in the area of PECHS visit this library on a regular basis either to pursue their passion or reading or to look for some important information. Books, recent newspapers, magazines and other literary facilities are available in PECHS library & Reading Room.
Liaquat Memorial Library
Liaquat Memorial Library was established in 1950. It continued to serve as National Library of Pakistan until the mid 1980s. Located on Stadium Road in Karachi, Liaquat Memorial Library has a collection of over 150,000 books. This library rapidly acquired a large inventory of books in the form of purchases, donations, gifts and deposits. Having a massive collection of books, Liaquat Memorial Library stands among one of the largest public libraries in Pakistan.
Book Markets/Weekly Bazaars
The existence of many famous spots around the city selling new and used books reflects the resilience of reading culture in Karachi. Some of them are high-end brands dealing in books in Karachi while others are more like traditional book vendors. Check out the below mentioned list to know more about the phenomenon of book selling in Karachi.
Urdu Bazaar
Urdu Bazaar is one of the largest markets selling books in Karachi. There are many shops that sell you poetry books, novels, textbooks and a lot of types of literature scriptures. The shops in the area of Urdu Bazaar also have different types of recipe books, magazines and newspapers. Upon visiting Urdu Bazaar, you would instantly get the feeling as if the history of Karachi is staring back at you as it is found in a very old locality. People can visit this market during the day to shop for their required book or any other piece of literature.
Sunday Book Bazaar
The significance of Frere Hall is not only limited to the fact that it contains a large library, in fact, a few months earlier, some booksellers in collaboration with the management of Frere Hall decided to organize a weekly book bazar every Sunday. Started at the end of 2018, this bazar is now organized every Sunday, exposing people to hundreds of books composed by some of the best writers at affordable prices. This Sunday Book Bazaar is also known as Frere Hall Books Fair.
Liberty Books
Selling a great variety of national and international books and magazines, The increasing significance of reading culture in Karachi resulted in the formation of Liberty Books, which is a high-end retail brand, dealing in different types of literature material. This bookstore does not only have multiple outlets but an online shop as well. You can get your desired book delivered right at your doorstep. Some of Karachi’s famous malls also have outlets of Liberty Books.
Karachi Literature Festival
Karachi Literature Festival is the first event of its kind in Pakistan. The purpose behind proposing the literary festival on a grand scale was to save the reading culture in Karachi from dying. This event has been organized annually from the last ten years. Literary experts from all over the world come to this yearly event to play their part in the revival of global literature. Similar to the events in Karachi, other cities in Pakistan have also started hosting such types of literary festivals.
So, if you are also a bookworm and have large collection of books to organize at home, then check out these DIY bookshelf ideas for your living space.
