Public Libraries and Reading Rooms in Pakistan 2024

It is a Famous Saying that "Reading makes you a nice person" either you read books, novels, newspapers or manuscripts you get knowledge and it is the knowledge that makes you different from others. If you are searching for a comfortable spot for competitive exam preparation, learning or simply studying you are in luck as these days Libraries are in trend and growing in Pakistan.

How many Libraries are in Pakistan?

There are total of 307 (Three hundred and seven) Private and Public Libraries in Pakistan including University Libraries.  Following is the list of 10 best free and paid libraries and reading rooms in Pakistan that we have prepared for you, These libraries are spread across Pakistan from the south coast of Karachi to northern Mountains of Gilgit Baltistan. No doubt Pakistan is incredibly great with Beautiful Scenery, Deserts, Coasts and Green Fields but along with this Pakistanis love to read.

List of Five Best Libraries in Pakistan

1. Hasrat Mohani Library
2. Defence Central Library
3. Quid e Azam Public Library
4. Chughtai Public Library
5. National Library of Pakistan

Education system of Pakistan is very complex and hard to understand, A common Pakistan can not get higher education so easily due to lack of Government interest. Govt. haven't shown interest in developing Public Places to Read like but still some NGOs and Not for Profit organizations are doing their effort to make Pakistan read again by creating / opening Public libraries in different cities of Pakistan. Following are the city wise figures of Public and Private Libraries across Pakistan. 

City wise number of Libraries in Pakistan

• There are total 25 Libraries in Islamabad
• Total 20 Libraries in Peshawar
• 101 Libraries in Karachi
• 111 in Lahore
• 18 Libraries in Quetta
• 32 in Rawalpindi

Hasrat Mohani Memorial Library and Hall Trust Karachi

A free Public Library, Reading Room which is also used to republish the writings of the Late Maulana in a dignified manner. There are more than Ten Thousand books on different faculties and topics available in the Hasrat Mohani Library. These books are demanded and used by the public in general and the researchers, scholars, and the student community in particular. The library offers all its facilities at no charge.

Who can get Membership in Hasrat Mohani Library

• Anybody can get Free Membership

Location

Block A, North Nazimabad, Karachi-74700

Defence Central Library Karachi

Built inside the famous Housing Authority called DHA with 6013 Books from different categories is 2nd beautiful and comfortable place to study.

Membership in Defence Central Library

• DCL (Defence Central Library) is a Paid Library and offers membership as per following Fee Structure
• Armed Forces Serving and retired Officers PKR 500
• Civilian Members of DHA PKR 600
• Students of DHA and Armed Forces Educational Institutes PKR 300
• Non-DHA Residents of Karachi PKR 1500
• Furthermore, senior citizens whose age is above 65 can get a membership for free.

Services and Facilities at DCL (Defence Central Library)

• Books, Newspapers and Periodicals
• Cyber Cafe or Computer Lab is Available
• The cafeteria provides tea and samosa along with French fries.

Defence Library Location

Sunset Blvd Rd, Phase II Phase 2 Ext Defence Housing Authority Karachi-75500

Quid e Azam Library Lahore

Biggest library by area and facilities in Lahore is QAL (Quid e Azam Library) withholding of 140336 readable resources. This place is offering membership in very reasonable fee along with some quality facilities.

Membership in QAL

• Minimum academic qualification for general membership is graduation
• General Membership fee is PKR 800 including security fee
• The student's Membership fee is PKR 600
• The lifetime membership fee is PKR 10000
• Senior Citizens of age above 60 can get a membership for free

Services and Facilities at Quid e Azam Library

• Air Conditioned
• Photocopy and Printing
• Separate Study Room for CSS Aspirants
• Cafeteria
• Designated Praying (Namaz) Place
• Request a Book if it is not already in Library

Location

Bagh-e-Jinnah، Mall Rd, Jubilee Town, Lahore-54000

Chughtai Public Library Lahore

Also known as CPL is a Public Library funded by Chughtai Foundation (Chughtai Labs Lahore) having multiple branches in Lahore City as well as in Quetta and Jehlum.

How to get Membership in Chughtai Library

• Free Membership to everyone with PKR 500 refundable Security Fee

Services and Facilities at Chughtai Public Library - CPL

• Air Conditioned Halls
• Free Tea
• 150 Seating Capacity
• Internet WIFI
• Computer Lab
• Front Desk Services

CPL Location

Canal Park Near Jail Road Lahore

National Library of Pakistan Islamabad

NLP of National Library of Pakistan carries 307994 readable resources including books, rare material and novels established in 1951

How to get Membership in National Library

• Any person above the age of 20 Years can get a membership with 300 fee which is non-refundable
• Free Membership for Senior Citizens

Services and Facilities at NLP (National Library of Pakistan)

• Air Conditioned Halls
• Internet WIFI
• Computer Lab
• 500 Seating Capacity

National Library Islamabad Location

Constitution Ave, G-5 Islamabad