Bombayites Get Reading Because These Libraries In Mumbai Are Every Book Reader's Paradise

Reading is not a choice, it's a passion and Libraries are the paradise that fulfills the lust for this passion. A library is not a luxury but even in today's modern world when everything is just a click away literally, Libraries are a necessity. Nothing can ever beat the experience of reading a book as their hard copy or researching by going through hundreds of books in the library and spending hours in the tranquility. Thus this dream city of Mumbai caters to the dreams of book lovers as well. 

This list of 10 best libraries in Mumbai will help you pick the library near you that will cater to all of your needs!

 

1. British Council Library

The most sought after name and by far the most modern one in the list, the British Council library in Mumbai has a wonderful collection of books. They have fiction, non-fiction, magazines, newspapers, access to online portals, films and even a mini theatre. They possibly have every book ever written by a Britisher or whose country has been under the British Colonies. With the basic membership plan of Rs. 1800 per year, you can access everything easily and can even get the books home-delivered!

Image Source: SNKIndia

Address: British Council Library, 901, 9th Floor, Tower 1, One Indiabulls Centre, 841,  Elphinstone Road (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Sunday Closed
Contact Number:  0120 456 9000

 

2. David Sassoon Library

If you are into the vibe of archaic old-school buildings that have been there for who knows how long, then the David Sassoon library is for you! Established in 1870, it is one of the oldest libraries in the city. The collection of books skyrockets to around 70,000 in number from all possible genres. Besides the reading room, there is also a  balcony looking out onto Kala Ghoda and the garden behind the lobby that’s shaded by a canopy of trees which makes it the ideal place for reading!

Image Source: DNAIndia

Address: David Sassoon Library, 152, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Off David Sassoon Library Marg, Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon-Sun 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Contact Number:  022 2284 3703

 

 

3. The Asiatic Society 

Mumbai is brimming with old school libraries. The Asiatic Library was found in 1803, as one of the foremost branches of the Royal Asiatic Society founded by John Mackintosh and is definitely one of the oldest libraries in the country. The grand castle-like aura of the building makes the place charming and iconic. The library does not only have books but also has a good collection of 3000 odd manuscripts in ancient languages like Sanskrit, Persian, Prakrit, and Pali, original Italian manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy and also painted folios, maps, prints, coins, and artifacts. 

Image Source: Mumbai Tourism

Address: Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Horniman Circle, Fort (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Closed on Sunday. 
Contact Number: 022 2266 0956

 

4. Trilogy

A book store with simplistic interiors, Trilogy has an antique charm to it because of its wooden interiors and the tranquil ambiance. They have books on every possible topic from fiction to non-fiction,  art, photography, and a handful of comics and graphic novels. They also host occasional workshops, book launches, and other things. 

Image Source: Lbb

Address: Trilogy, First floor, Building No. 28, Above Mercedes Service Centre, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Lower Parel (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon – Fri: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; Sat-Sun: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm 
Contact Number: 080805 90590

 

5. NCPA Reference Library

The NCPA stand apart from the crowd by miles. This library in Mumbai is as special as it gets. Their special focus is on performing arts and has books on film, painting, Indian music, tribes, sculpture, architecture, photography, fashion, magic, and other artsy areas. The main focus of the library is ethnomusicology and anthropology. They also have vast material on Western classical music that has been donated as part of the Stuart Liff Collection. You can listen to over 6000 recordings of music and famous speeches from all over the globe! 

Image Source: NCPA Mumbai

Address: NCPA Library, NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon – Fri: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. 
Contact Number: 022 6622 3737

 

 

6. Jawaharlal Nehru Centre Library

The Nehru library offers a very unique experience. Unlike every other library, you may have ever visited, this one does not have all the books on display. You access these books by scanning their catalog and requesting for a book, which they then fetch it for you from their backend. They have more academic books, magazines, and newspapers. They even have every issue of National Geographic magazines since 1984! And the best part? There are no entry or membership fees! 

Image Source: Booked for life

Address: Discovery of India Building, Nehru Centre, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai (Get Direction)
Timings:  Mon-Sat: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sunday
Contact Number:  022 2496 4676

 

7. H. D. Kanga Memorial Sports Library

Mumbai is truly special as it serves everyone and provides you with a unique experience in every possible manner. As the name suggests, the H. D. Kanga Memorial Sports Library is a sports library! Every sports buff who wants to read any book, magazine, journal, commentary on any sports has to come to this library in Mumbai. But contrary to the popular belief, they also have other books, journals, and encyclopedias too. Also, you never know but you may also bump into Mr. Sunil Gavaskar or Sachin Tendulkar!

Image Source: Mumbai Spider

Address: Cricket Centre, Wankhede Stadium, 'D' Road, Churchgate, Mumbai (Get Direction)
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Contact Number:  91 - 022 - 2279 5500

 

8. J N Petit Institute Library & Reading Room

With an extensive collection of old and rare copies, manuscripts and journals, this old library in Mumbai has been around since 1856! With your favorite fictional classics, you might also spot the New Yorker and the Scientific American. They have newspapers from over 100 years and an exceptionally well-maintained collection of religious books! You can peacefully enjoy your reading session in the huge reading room. 

Image Source: JN Petit Institute 

Address: 312, Dr. D.N. Road, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai (Get Direction)
Timings: 7:00 am to 8:30 pm
Contact Number:  022 2204 8463

 

9. Leaping Windows

Just like its name, the Leaping Window library in Mumbai has skipped the conventional settings of a library! This library cum cafe in its basement has a sprawling variety of comics, manga and graphic novels – both classics like Maus and Persepolis as well as lesser-known titles. These can be enjoyed relaxing on mats or beanbags or even with a nice cup of coffee in their cafe above. Also, you can get the books delivered to your home!

Image Source: POP Diaries

 
Address: Leaping Windows, 3 Corner View, Off Yari Road, Opposite Bianca Towers, Versova, Andheri West (Get Direction)
Timings: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Contact Number:  097699 98972

 

10. People's Free Reading And Library

This century-old library is affordable and well maintained. Often filled with students, the library has a wide collection of books, British era issues of newspapers and magazines and all of your classic novels. The place has a beautiful Victorian architecture with flowered tiles, rustic furniture, and a quiet ambiance. They also have Indian and foreign fiction, Parsi literature, European philosophy. 

Image Source: Lbb

Address: Jagannath Shankar Seth Road, Dhobi Talao, Sonapur, Marine Lines, Mumbai (Get Direction)
Timings: Mon-Sat; 9: 00 to 8:00 pm, Sundays and Public Holidays; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm 
Contact Number:  022 2201 3050

 

Indulge yourself in your favorite books away from the chaos of the busy city without burning a hole in your pocket the next time you want to read. Happy Reading!

 

 

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FAQ

Q.1. Does Mumbai have metro?
A. The Mumbai Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the wider metropolitan region although it's access is still limited to only some parts of the city.

 

Q.2. When does Mumbai monsoon end?
A. Mumbai experiences four diverse seasons that make the city pleasant to live in. Winter in Mumbai begins in the month of December and last till February. Summer remains from March to May, Monsoon here starts in the month of June and ends in September. The Post-Monsoon season in Mumbai lasts from October to December.