Top Public Libraries in Mumbai
Mumbai is the noisiest city in India, says a report by the Times of India. The road traffic in the city is relentless and the honking never seems to stop. The situation is the same in all areas of the city, including the high-end posh locales such as Bandra, Colaba, and Andheri.
Needless to mention, Mumbai is not reader-friendly. People who like to read books have to use earplugs or get their reading done at odd hours. This is where libraries come into the picture.
Local public libraries are generally located in the quieter areas of the city. And they provide a good atmosphere for reading, studying, and thinking. In this post, I share the best public libraries in Mumbai.
Here are the most important public libraries in Mumbai
1. Vivek Granthalaya
Vivek Granthalaya is located in Dadar west. This public library was first introduced to help the mill workers read and educate themselves. It used to be located at Bori Chawl at Prabhadevi. To be able to avail of their services you must first become a member. They have a massive collection of books, you can learn about it on their official website.
Address: Om Chintamani, Khed Galli, K.G. Road, Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar, Dadar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400025
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): B
2. Shivkumar Bhuvalaka Hindi Pustakalaya
Image source: marwadisammelan.org
This library has been sound for more than a century. As the name suggests, it is meant for Hindi readers. You can become a member to enjoy facilities such as a reading hall, library, and access to countless amounts of interesting books that get updated each year. They are open from 11 am to 7 pm.
Address: 227, Kalbadevi, Road, Kalbadevi, Mumbai
Telephone: 22401648/22413507
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): B
3. Vidyarthi Utkarsh Mandal Mumbai Sanchalit, Samarth Granthalaya
This library is suited for students. It is a one-storeyed building with small reading rooms. They also conduct seminars for students who wish to learn about new careers. It is run by an NGO. They have a garden within the library campus where students can relax and think. The train station is also close by.
Address: Abdulla Bralvi Garden, SaneGuruji Marg, Near Railway Station, Chinchpokli, Mumbai-11
Telephone: 022 2309 8462
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): B
4. Maharashtra Mitra Mandal Grantha Sangrahalaya Aani Mofat Vachanalaya
This library has a separate small section for children. The large section is for teenagers and adults. You can enjoy a collection of 10000 books. Plus, this library is conveniently located, and people from all over the city can travel here with minimal cost and time. They also have a branch in Bandra.
Address: 140/1,Saraswati Building, Dr.S.S.Rao Road, Lalbag, Mumbai -12
Telephone: 022 2641 1497
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): B
5. Karnataka Sangha Kendriya Granthalaya
The Karnataka Sangha Kendriya Granthalaya is headquartered in Bengaluru. Their Mumbai branch is located in Matunga. It is a peaceful place for those who wish to read their favorite books.
Address: Dr.M.Vishveshwarayya Smarak Mandir, Ch.Shivaji Marg, Near Matunga Station, Matunga Road, Matunga, Mumbai -16
Telephone: 24377022/24379645
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): B
6. Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh Sarvajanik Vachanalaya va Granthalaya
As the name suggests, this is a vintage public library, originally meant for mill workers. The primary goal of the Rashtriya Mill Mazdoor Sangh was to provide an opportunity for mill workers to read. They have a nice reading hall with cupboards full of books. You get your chair and a desk.
Address: Majdur Manjil, G.D. Ambedkar Marg, Paral, Mumbai -12
Telephone: 2414772 13/ 14
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): A
7. Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya, Dadar Vibhag
This library has been around for more than a century. It was founded in the year 1898. Since this is an old library, it has been reconstructed several times in the past few years. There are two sections in this library: the collection unit and the reading hall. The collection unit primarily has Marathi books. Now they also have branches in Bandra and Chembur.
Address: Amrut Mahosthav Vastu, Disilva Road, Dadar (W) Mumbai – 28
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): A
8. Mahim Sarvajanik Vachanalaya
This is another public reading room, established in the year 1977. It is supported by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and other notable institutions. This place is very popular among the elderly in Mumbai as they have been visiting it since their younger days. They have cupboards full of Marathi books, and a nice reading hall. You need to be a member to avail of their services.
Address: BhruhanMumbai Maha Nagar Palika, Samaj Kalyan Kendra, Lft. Dilip Gupte Marg, Mumbai – 400016
Telephone: 24463473/22920693
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): A
9. Dadar Sarvajanik Vachanalaya va Kashinath Dhuru Hall Trust
Image source: dasava.org
This place is popularly known as Dadar public library. It was founded about a century ago by social workers and literature lovers. It is a two-story building with a temple in it. The atmosphere is spiritual and philosophical. There was a time when they used to keep all the books in a small box, but as the membership grew, the facility developed into a full-fledged public library.
Address: 3, Chabildas Marg, Dadar, Mumbai – 28
Telephone: 24304087/24366861
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): A
10. Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya
Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya is a public library founded in 1898. Currently, this library is headed by Sharad Govindrao Pawar, former chief minister of Maharashtra and a prominent figure in Indian politics. Note that this library has approximately 645,569 Marathi books, some of the books are exclusive to this place, and are hard to find elsewhere.
Address: 172, Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya Marg, Dadar, Mumbai-400014
Telephone: 24121901/24134211
Grade (as per Government of Maharashtra): A
Summary
Most libraries in Mumbai do require you to have a membership. In most cases, the membership is free of cost, but some facilities do charge a nominal fee. The money you pay is invested in the maintenance and care of the public facility. You can take your books in the reading hall, or pick one from the book stack. Before you sign up, make sure to read the rules and regulations.