Looking For Solitude To Read? These Libraries In Delhi Are Apt For Casual Reads & School Research!

Do you love to read and discover new stories? It’s a given then that you automatically get drawn toward a bookstore or a library! We feel you, which is why we’ve sniffed out these top 13 libraries in Delhi that give you access to all their amazing collections of books so that you can lose yourself in them and come out wiser and happier. Excited? Well then, keep reading to know more!

1. Ramakrishna Mission General Library

Picture Credit : Nilen Chatterjee

Founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru himself, this library is a goldmine of knowledge! From history buffs to literature lovers, it has something for everyone. Plus, the perks are out-of-the-world amazing! Free internet, printing, photocopying, and even book reservations. They have very reasonable membership rates but members are selected based on merit. So if you are a book worm and are always hungry for knowledge, then visit their website mentioned below and check out the membership procedure. 

Where | Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, ​New Delhi 
Timings | 8 AM - 8 PM (Monday Closed) 
Call Them | +91 11 4562 6785
Here’s Their Website | https://rkmdelhi.org/library

2. Dr. BC Roy Children’s Reading Room And Library

Picture Credit :ANKUR MITRA

Founded by the legendary cartoonist Shankar Pillai, this one’s for the little Einsteins (or future comic artists). With a mind-blowing collection of 40,000 books covering everything from science to mythology, kids aged 5–18 can unleash their inner book nerd here. And guess what? Membership is just ₹150 yearly! BRB, building a time machine to relive childhood.

Where | Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi
Timings | 9:30 AM - 5 PM 
Call Them | +91 11 2331 697074
Here’s Their Website | https://www.childrensbooktrust.com/

3. Archaeological Survey Of India

Picture Credit : Rahul Pattom

Calling all history nerds and art enthusiasts! This 1,00,000-book collection is your treasure trove. Rare manuscripts, documents, and books on archaeology, architecture, and more await. Sadly, it’s exclusive to ASI staff and archaeology students, but hey, it's definitely something you can look forward to if you’re a history buff! 

Where |  24, Tilak Marg, Bhagwan Das Lane, Mandi House, New Delhi
Timings | 9:30 PM - 6 PM
Call Them | +91 11 2301 3574
Here’s Their Website | https://asi.nic.in/pages/Central-Archaelogical-Library/HQ

4. Parliamentary Library

Picture Credit :Sujeet Yadav

This library, established in 1921, is like Hogwarts for researchers and scholars. With an insane collection of resources (and a digital library!), it's perfect for deep dives into legislative and historical research. Pro tip: you’ll need to fill out a form on their website to gain access. Time to channel your inner Hermione!

Where | Talkatora Road, Sansad Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rakab Ganj, New Delhi
Timings | 10 AM - 5:45 PM 
Call Them | +91 11 2303 4295
Here’s Their Website | https://eparlib.nic.in/

5. Sahitya Kala Akademi Library

Picture Credit : Prashant Verma

With books in Hindi, English, and 24 other languages, this place is a cultural jackpot! Whether you're a researcher or just someone who loves exploring India’s rich history, this library has you covered. You can fill out the membership form from their website which has its own perks.  Bonus: They offer photocopying and scanning services, perfect if you want to take a piece of history home with you.

Where | Sahitya Akademi Rabindra Bhavan 35, Ferozeshah Road.
Timings | 9:30 AM - 6 PM
Call Them | +91 11 2338 6626
Here’s Their Website | https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/library/L_index.jsp

6. Nehru Memorial Library 

Picture Credit : Karthik Suresh Kumar

Affordable membership? Check. Lending privileges? Check. Chill, old-school vibes? Triple check. This library is perfect for when you need a quiet corner to unwind or some serious research time. Just don’t lose their books (unless you’re okay with a fine) & you’re good to go! 

Where | Teen Murti Bhavan, Teen Murti Marg, Teen Murti Marg Area, New Delhi
Timings | 9 AM - 5:30 PM 
Call Them | +91 11 2301 7587
Here’s Their Website | http://pmml.nic.in/welcomeToNMML

7. India Habitat Centre - Habitat Library And Resource Centre

Picture Credit :Janani Venkatesh

Exclusive to members, this library is all about productivity. From books to newspapers and even electronic resources, it’s a solid spot for some work-meets-relaxation time. The membership fee is minimal and offers multiple benefits so it's defo worth the amount of knowledge and perks you’ll receive! 

Where | Vardhman Marg, Institutional Area, Lodi Colony, New Delhi
Timings | 10 AM - 8 PM 
Call Them | +91 11 4366 3333
Here’s Their Website | https://www.indiahabitat.org/hlrc

8. The American Library

Picture Credits: Ayush Chaurasia

The American Library is one of the most famous libraries in Delhi that tends to all your book fantasies. With a wide range of books and reading material, they give free access to all kinds of research material and have a membership plan if you want access to free WiFi, borrow books, DVDs, movie screenings, workshops, book launches and readings. So

Where | The American Library - American Centre, 24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Near Barakhamba Metro Station
Timings | 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed On Sundays & Mondays)
Call Them | +91 11 2347 2000
Here’s Their Website | https://in.usembassy.gov/education-culture/american-spaces/american-space-new-delhi/membership/

9. Delhi Public Library

Picture Credits: Harsh Bhadani

If you want to drown yourself in a plethora of genres and subgenres, then look no further than Delhi Public Library. They house up to 16 lakhs books, both academic and non-academic in various languages. They have branches in different areas of Delhi which makes it easy for all the Delhiites to get access to the knowledge of the world and all your favourite books. You just need to be a resident of Delhi to go and read books here, so make sure that when you head over, you’re carrying proof of residency with you.

Where | Delhi Public Library - Sarojini Nagar, Rama Krishna Puram, Old Delhi & Other Places. 
Timings | 9 AM - 7 PM (Closed On Sundays)
Call Them | +91 11 2086 0291 & +91 11 2086 0292
Here’s Their Website | https://dpl.gov.in/

10. The Japan Foundation Library

Picture Credits: apoorv vaibhav

 Listen up, all you Naruto manga fans! We’ve found the perfect library for you to immerse yourself in the coolest Naruto series provided by The Japan Foundation Library. The library also houses books on Japanese literature that we already know are masterpieces with profound themes and rich plots. So, if you are a resident of Delhi NCR and looking for a place to know more about Japan and its culture, you definitely need to head over.

Where | The Japan Foundation Library - 5A, Ring Road, Near Moolchand Metro Station, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV
Timings | 11 AM  - 6:30 PM (Closed On Sundays & Mondays)
Call Them | +91 11 4558 8698
Here’s Their Website | https://www.jfindia.org.in/

11. Dyal Singh Public Library

Dyal Singh Public Library has a collection of over 40K books on social sciences, liberal arts, and literature. You can opt for free access or you can get the membership if you want to borrow books. This library lets you be updated with current affairs through their different magazines, journals and national newspapers. It also provides audio and video equipment if you’re looking to research a topic deeply. So what are you waiting for, visit them to delve into the world of knowledge, ASAP! 

Where | Dyal Singh Public Library - 1, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg, Mata Sundari Railway Colony, Mandi House
Timings | 9:30 AM - 5 PM (Closed On Sundays)
Call Them | +91 11 2323 4907
Here’s Their Website | http://www.dspl.org.in/

12. The Central Secretariat Library

Keep updated with the political world at The Central Secretariat Library which houses several political books and documents. You can also find dictionaries and encyclopaedias here along with an interesting collection of fiction and non-fiction. This is for all those who never cease learning and keep seeking knowledge throughout their lives. So, go on guys, visit this library and be amazed by one of the largest collections of books in Delhi.

Where | The Central Secretariat Library , G-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, Central Secretariat
Timings | 9 AM - 6:30 PM (Closed On Sundays)
Call Them | +91 11 2338 9383
Here’s Their Website | http://www.csl.nic.in/

13. Nehru Memorial Library

Picture Credits: Nikhil Kumar

Now soak in all the information seven days a week at Nehru Memorial Library. If you are one of those people who crave information about India and its history, then this library is the ideal place for you. With a collection of books and journals on colonial and post-colonial India, they also have loads of materials on microfilms and photographs on the same. So head over guys because what can be a better place to know about Indian history than a library?

Where | Nehru Memorial Library - Teen Murti Bhavan, Teen Murti Marg
Timings | 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Call Them | +91 11 2301 7587
Here’s Their Website | https://nehrumemorial.nic.in/

So, check ‘em out ASAP guys and happy reading!