3 Best Libraries in Mumbai

What our experts say?
The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, founded by Sir James Mackintosh, is a key institution established by the British to study and share knowledge about India and the East. The 19th-century Greek Revival building contains many historic books and manuscripts from Asia and Europe. The staff is known for being friendly and professional. Their extensive collection includes over 20,000 items, including books, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, journals, government publications, and reports. The library excels in traditional Indology and Oriental scholarship, covering subjects like Biography, Genealogy, Politics, Economics, Science, Management, Travel, and fiction. Among their holdings are 15,000 rare and valuable books. The multilingual collection features languages like Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, Italian, German, French, and English. In addition, they have digitised over 25 million pages from their treasure trove. The library is governed by rules and regulations that the general body can amend. Membership is open to any adult who shows a sustained interest in the society's goals, subject to certain conditions.

What our experts say?
The David Sassoon Library & Reading Room is one of the oldest libraries and reading rooms in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Designed by Scott and McClelland, the David Sassoon Library is an iconic structure with arcaded galleries, a miniature clock tower, and a bust of Sir David Sassoon on its facade. The Library serves as a symbol of architectural and historical significance. The Library is listed as a Grade I heritage structure within the Fort precinct and the Museum sub-precinct, according to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (1995). The David Sassoon Library holds around 40,000 books in English, Marathi, Gujarati, and Hindi. The library’s reading room, located in the heart of the business district, attracts working students and individuals looking for a good study environment. The library's main goal is to promote knowledge within the community.

What our experts say?
J. N. Petit Library is a well-known library that offers study materials for education, information, personal development, and recreation. The Library offers a serene and spacious reading room for those seeking a quiet place to read and study. The library's stained glass windows, which feature portraits of the Petit family, add to the functionality and enhance the building's beauty. J. N. Petit Library has a collection of over 150,000 books, including literature, modern fiction, non-fiction, and works spanning various subjects. They offer borrowing facilities, a book catalogue, and a reference area. The well-organised facilities at the J. N. Petit Library can comfortably accommodate up to 300 people and are open every day. Membership is open to adults residing in Mumbai. Members can borrow up to three books and three periodicals (two new and one old) at a time for home reading. In addition, the library facilities are accessible to researchers, scholars, and other visitors.