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Everything may have been digitised, but the love of book lovers can’t be. Reading a book in the library has its own magic, and nothing can match that happy feeling of holding a book. It’s an addictive sensation that provides an instant escape into a fantasy world, and the silence of the library only adds to it! And best of all, it doesn’t create a hole in your pocket! So, for all those bookworms who want to fuel up their free time reading without spending a penny to transfer themselves into a fantasy world, here are some of the best libraries in Mumbai you should visit.

1)  The Asiatic Society of Mumbai

This library is over two centuries old and boasts an iconic structure of Greek and Roman architecture. Established in 1804, it is situated at Town Hall, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road, Fort, Mumbai. Being the oldest library in town, it has around 25,000 to 30,000 rare collections of age-old manuscripts, journals, and historic magazines, forgotten in the sands of time. It offers you a huge area that has been made charming with surrounding antiquities and is ideal for anybody searching for some alone time with their books. The library is open between 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and remains closed on Sundays and national holidays.

Membership Fees: INR 1,500 for the year; INR 15,000 for life

2)  The British Council Library

When we talk about the best libraries in Mumbai, the British Council Library is no doubt one of them. Located in One Indiabulls Centre, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone Road (West), this library offers you one of the most extensive collections of British literature in the city. Apart from books, you can also borrow magazines, films, videos, music, and newspapers. In addition to having a digital library, they also organise regular workshops and cultural events that you can be part of as a member in any of their nine libraries across India. It is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and remains closed on Sundays.

Fees: INR 1800 to borrow up to six items at a time.

3)  David Sassoon Library and Reading Room

Located on the Mahatma Gandhi Road in Kala Ghoda, it is one of the oldest libraries in Mumbai. This library has an antique feel about it that dominates the entire building. It has a collection of almost 70,000 books in its Venetian Gothic architectural structure. It also has its garden filled with jackfruit, mango, and coconut trees, an idyll in the middle of the bustling city. Open all days between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on regular days, it is open till late during exam times.

Fee: INR 4000 (1500 will be refundable on termination of membership)

4)  People’s Free Reading and Library, Marine Lines

Again, a century-old library with literature from India’s British colonial era. It is located in Marine Lines and features dedicated areas for students as well as memberships that are subsidised. Its reading rooms are usually packed, and there’s a lively buzz in the air. The library is open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday.

Membership Fees: Monthly fees at INR 200, Quarterly fees at INR 500

5)  Leaping Windows

It is India’s first comic book library, and it can be found on Yari Road in Versova, Andheri. This library, inspired by Japanese Manga cafes, is one of our personal favourites from the list, with its large collection of DC, Marvel, and Vertigo, and some fantastic independent graphic novels. Starting at 10 a.m. every morning, it is open until 11 p.m. every night. It’s heaven for all book lovers who like sipping coffee while reading their favourite comic.

6)  NCPA Library

This library, located at Nariman Point, is a paradise for artists. This library boasts a large variety of literature on subjects such as music, dance, film, painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, television, fashion, and even magic. It has treatises on Indian music published before 1900. This library has autobiographies and biographies of almost every important Western classical music singer from the 18th century to the present, and here you can also choose from over 5,000 records covering all genres of music. Apart from weekends, it is open until 6 pm in the evening from 10 am in the morning.

Fee: INR 7500

7)  Trilogy

It’s a specifically curated library with plenty of reading space for members. This library, located in Lower Parel, contains a carefully curated collection of books from many genres, ensuring that there is something for everyone. It’s a peaceful, cosy location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with hardwood flooring and seats that make it ideal for curling up with a good book and enjoying the day. Regular workshops and literary events are also organised here. It’s open all days of the week from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Fee: INR 3000 for unlimited books.

8)  The American Library

The library contains a large collection of American literature, with around 11,000 works on the subject, including best-sellers, books on art, science, and even business and academic publications. It is housed in the Bandra-Kurla Complex of the American Consulate. It is huge and well-equipped, letting you sit for hours and read to your heart’s content. This library is spacious and well-equipped and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

9)  Help Education Library for People (HELP)

This is an exclusive library of health-related books. It aims to keep its members fit by offering them over 11,000 books and audio-visual materials falling under various sections of health such as fitness, diet, exercise, and diseases. Open from 10 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays, the library lets you attend various lectures on health conducted by health professionals on their premises.

Since Mumbai has libraries that will fully quench the thirst of the reader inside you, you are bound to find some of the most affordable yet luxurious PGs in Mumbai managed by yours-space. Whether you live in our PG in Andheri, PG in Bandra, or PG in Vashi, you will find a place to woo the reader inside you. While you focus on quenching your thirst for reading and trying to make a living in this city, we make sure you are well taken care of in the best environment that our luxurious PGs in Mumbai offer.