In a very busy city like Delhi, which has it all going on at once, to find a quiet spot to read or study is a great achievement. As an academic researcher, a student who is preparing for competitive exams, or a person who is into the aroma of aged paper, Delhi’s library scene has it all. When I am overcome by the daily grind, I find that which of these quiet spots immediately hits the reset button.
Here is what we have put together for you in terms of a selection of the best 7 libraries in Delhi, which are paradises for book lovers.
- The American Library
This one has a very special place in my heart; my cousin spent almost all of her time here as she prepared for her higher studies applications. In the American Centre, we have what is in fact a great resource for anyone interested in American culture, history, political science, and international relations. Beyond the great collection, which is very in-depth, they also host amazing debates, cultural events and open discussions.
- Location: American Centre at 24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, near Barakhamba Road Metro Station, New Delhi.
- Timings: From 8 am until 3:45 pm (closed Sun and Mon).
- Membership Details: Open to the public; we also have specialised information systems for members, which provide access to premium digital research data.
- Delhi Public Library (DPL)
Stepping into the main branch of the Delhi Public Library is stepping back in time to the post-independence era. DPL, which is fully supported by the Ministry of Culture, has a large network that in turn has over 18 lakh books in various Indian languages. The atmosphere is electric, with students frantically taking notes and seniors lost in the morning newspapers.
- Location: S.P. Mukherjee Marg, at the drop-off point of Old Delhi Railway Station in New Delhi (We also serve Janakpuri).
- Timings: From 10:00 AM to 6:45 PM (closed on Sundays).
- Membership Details: Free access to the library is for all who wish to sit and read.
- Central Library, IIT Delhi
For research and tech professionals, the Central Library at IIT Delhi is the ultimate destination. We have the main library as well as 18 departmental hubs. It is at the forefront of research support and is also home to great secondary services like a video library and binary services.
- Location: IIT Campus in Hauz Khas, South Delhi.
- Timings: From Monday through Friday, we are open from 9 AM to 9 PM, and on weekends, we are open from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
- Membership Details: Free entry for IIT students and faculty. For external corporate members, the annual fee is 15,000, along with a one-time refundable security deposit of 15,000.
- Dyal Singh Public Library
For a well-rounded yet intimate experience, this is the place. We have a collection of over 40,000 books which include works in literature, history and social sciences, as well as a large variety of daily national newspapers.
- Location: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Road, New Delhi.
- Timings: Open till 5:00 PM (Mon – Sat).
- Membership Details: Reference access is free. For library membership, which includes borrowing privileges, we ask that you put down a refundable security of $500, which in turn grants you 8 library tokens.
- Parliament Library
As in the case of the largest library in Delhi, which is second to none in all of India, this place is amazing. To walk its corridors is to be surrounded by history. It is home to rare art books, historic bills, acts and extensive periodical archives.
- Location: Talkers’ Square, Sansad Bhavan, Central Secretariat, New Delhi.
- Timings: From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Weekdays.
- Membership Details: Access is restricted. You may put in a request, at which point it will be reviewed by the Parliament Security Service for approval.
- Venus Library
This is a very popular no-frills commercial study space that we have designed for self-study. If you are preparing for competitive exams or university entrance, the quiet environment and comfortable desks here will have you very focused.
- Location: At the corner of Gurudwara and Opposite to Arya Samaj Mandir in West Patel Nagar, Delhi.
- Timings: From 8 AM to 11 PM (open every day of the week).
- Membership Details: Paid for each month or day of use, which includes the option to bring your own personal books and study materials.
- Sahitya Akademi Library
Note: Adding a personal choice to complete the literary tour. For those who do not leave Indian literature for the great beyond, the Sahitya Akademi Library at Mandi House is a matchless option. It is home to works in 24 recognised Indian languages. Here you will find what you are looking for in translated regional poetry at an almost spiritual level.
- Location: Rabindra Bhavan, located at 35, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi.
- Timings: From 9:30 AM until 6:00 PM (closed on Sundays).
- Membership Details: Free for reference use; we charge a low annual fee for regular borrowing.
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