Top 5 libraries for book lovers to explore in Mumbai

The tangible feeling of reading a book by holding it in your hand is irreplaceable. Book lovers can relate to this very easily. The addictive smell of a book is just magical. Some people say libraries are rare now, and so are people with membership to a library. If you are a book worm and exploring Mumbai, here are some of the best libraries that you should not miss out.

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Top 5 libraries in Mumbai:

1. Asiatic Library

Asiatic Library has been there since 1804. The majority of books here are in English, but there are also books in Sanskrit and other ancient and modern Indian languages. Books in European languages like Greek, Latin, Italian, German, and French are also available there. There is also a list of society holdings, i.e. 3,000 manuscripts in Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Prakrit from all over India and Nepal. One can also find some 12,000 rare collections of coins.

Location: Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Horniman Circle, Fort

Timings to visit: Monday – Saturday; 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

2. Trilogy Library

This library is a little hard to find, but that is a part of its charm. It is located in one of Mumbai’s busiest business districts. People also visit there for occasional workshops and book launches. Fiction and non-fiction from varied genres as well as different books on art, photography, and a handful of comics and graphic novels are all available there. If at all you are confused about where to start with, the owners are excellent at helping you out.

Location: Trilogy, first floor, Building No. 28, Above Mercedes Service Centre, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, Lower Parel

Timings to visit: Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

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3. NCPA Library

The NCPA library contains books and periodicals on art, music, dance, theatre, and anthropology. It also has extensive material on Western classical music. The library has a listening room with over 6,000 recordings of different styles of music. There are several famous speeches from India and all around the world. Without any doubt, this place is one of the favourite reading rooms in Mumbai.

Location: NCPA Library, NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point

Timings to visit: Monday – Friday; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

4. David Sassoon Library

David Sassoon Library has been there since 1870. The library contains a collection of periodicals, newspapers, fusion books, journals and non-fiction books. As it is located in the Fort area, which is an old business district in the city of Mumbai. All the age groups of people visit here conveniently. The library has about 40,000 books in English, Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati.

Location: David Sassoon Library, 152, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Off David Sassoon Library Marg, Opposite Jehangir Art Gallery, Kala Ghoda, Fort

Timings to visit: Monday – Sunday; 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

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5. J. N. Petit Library

J. N. Petit library has been located in the Fort area since 1856. The library contains the largest collections of books, magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals in the city. It has built up the leading assortment of over 100,000 books covering all subjects along with old classic works, fiction, and non-fiction. The library has a big space and a seating capacity of 300 people. A computerised book catalogue for the readers is available too.

Location: JN Petit Institute, 312, DN Road, Fort

Timings to visit: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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