What you see - When we entered the compound of Delhi Public Library, Central branch at Chandni Chowk, we were disappointed by the façade of the building. It seemed like a regular red brick government building that needed some renovation. Somehow it made us picture old librarians and yellowed books with torn pages inside. But what you see within is a treasure house of books and resources.

Delhi Public Library comes across as a perfect mix of the new and the old. Old steel book shelves and flat screen LCD computers share space along with the vast collection of books here. The first room here is the reading room with long tables and high ceiling fans. This place is typically crowded with people reading the newspapers and magazines available here. The corridor connected to this room, leads you to the main library, children’s library, reference section and the lending section.

What you get - The Central branch of the Delhi Public library has a vast collection of books on different subjects. The main library has different sections that include the reference section and the lending section.

There are books on fiction, non-fiction, applied science, management, history etc. You will also find those on religion, philosophy, world history, books related to cities and their history and regional language books (Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu) as well. The collection is overwhelming but easy to sort and find. The shelves are all labeled and there is a computer in the library that can guide you to a particular book.

The reference section of the Delhi Public Library has a number of books and magazines. The Constitution of India and the vast collection of magazines and journals available in the reference section caught our fancy. If you need to use some information or pictures that are there in the reference books you can get them photo copied here itself.

The children’s section at the library is also updated. As compared to the main library, this section has been colored bright with attractive posters. Apart from going through the reference section and the lending section, the children here can play games available in the room.

The Delhi Public Library also has a DVD section that rents out DVDs (Hindi, English, animated and classics) to the members. Free Internet facility is also available for the members. A resident of Delhi can easily avail membership by filling a form for Rs. 2. The form has to be attested by a government officer and you also need to give an address proof. Membership is valid for two years. For the DVD section you need to deposit a security amount here.

Our verdict - The Delhi Public Library is the best library for book lovers in the city and offers membership to Delhi residents at almost no cost. You can find all the latest books here and can borrow them for a couple of weeks. The library is adjacent to Chandni Chowk metro station and is therefore easy to reach. It is open on all seven days and is closed only on gazetted holidays.  Parking space is not available so best to travel by metro.

Anytime between - 8.30 AM - 8 PM (Summers)
                                     9 AM - 8 PM (Winters)