Education

Public Libraries in Delhi 2026: DPL Membership and Access Guide

August 3, 2019
Pankaj

Quick answer

Delhi's main public library system is the Delhi Public Library, with its central library opposite Old Delhi Railway Station and branches across the city. Delhi residents can join for Rs 100 (Rs 25 for BPL holders) with an attested form. Hardayal Library, the American Library and the Central Secretariat Library are also open to readers.

  • Delhi Public Library was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 27 October 1951.
  • DPL membership fee is Rs 100, or Rs 25 for BPL card holders, as per its rules.
  • Hardayal Municipal Heritage Public Library in Chandni Chowk dates from 1862.
  • The Central Secretariat Library at Shastri Bhawan is free for public consultation with photo ID.

Delhi has a long and rich library culture. It has a 160-year-old municipal library in Chandni Chowk and a government library network that sends book vans into residential colonies. Many of these libraries are cheap or free to use. Whether you are a school student, a UPSC aspirant or just someone who wants a quiet place to read, this guide explains the main public libraries in Delhi, who can use them, and how to get a Delhi Public Library card.

We have only included details we could check against official or credible sources. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the library before you visit.

What is the Delhi Public Library?

The Delhi Public Library (DPL) is Delhi’s main public library system. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated it on 27 October 1951. It began as a UNESCO-supported pilot project. Today it is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, run by the Delhi Library Board. The Ministry of Culture describes it as the busiest public library in South-East Asia.

The central library stands on Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, opposite Old Delhi Railway Station, in a colonial-era building with courtyards and arched corridors. According to the Ministry of Culture, it is open all seven days of the week except national holidays. DPL does not publish fixed hours in its rules; they are set by the library from time to time. Check with your nearest unit for current hours.

How big is the DPL network?

Different sources give slightly different counts, because DPL opens and closes service points over time. The Ministry of Culture’s profile lists:

  • One central library near Old Delhi Railway Station
  • 3 branch libraries, including a regional library at Sarojini Nagar
  • 24 sub-branch libraries
  • 2 community libraries and 10 resettlement colony libraries
  • 24 deposit stations, often run with housing societies and institutions
  • Mobile library vans that stop at fixed service points across the city

DPL has run a mobile library service since 1953. It also runs a Braille library that serves blind readers and institutions, and a library service for inmates of Tihar Jail. The collection runs to more than 18 lakh books in Hindi, English, Urdu, Punjabi and other Indian languages. Children’s sections are available at the central library and some branches.

How do I become a member of the Delhi Public Library?

Anyone who lives in Delhi, or has a home or business here, can register. Only registered members can borrow books for home reading. The DPL membership rules set out these steps:

  1. Download the membership form from the DPL website (dpl.gov.in) and fill it in. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign it.
  2. Get the form attested by a responsible person, such as a gazetted officer, school principal, college lecturer, elected representative, MBBS doctor, lawyer or bank manager.
  3. Take the form to the registration counter of the central library or your nearest DPL unit, along with proof of residence such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, driving licence, ration card, bank passbook or a recent electricity bill.
  4. Pay the registration fee: Rs 100, or Rs 25 if you hold a BPL card.
  5. If you cannot get the form attested, pay a refundable security deposit of Rs 3,000 instead.
  6. Collect your borrower tickets. Depending on the library unit, you get one to three tickets, and each ticket lets you borrow one book at a time.

A few extra points are worth knowing. Children aged 5 to 15 borrow from the children’s department; readers above 15 use the adult lending section. Books are normally issued for 14 days and can be renewed. To get a security deposit back, apply within six months of your membership ending.

Which other libraries in Delhi can the public use?

Beyond DPL, several older and specialist libraries are open to readers. Access rules vary a lot, so check the table below first.

LibraryAreaWho can use itMembership
Delhi Public Library (central)S.P. Mukherjee Marg, opposite Old Delhi Railway StationDelhi residents; NCR residents and outstation students with depositRs 100 (Rs 25 for BPL); Rs 3,000 refundable deposit in some cases
Hardayal Municipal Heritage Public LibraryGandhi Ground, Chandni ChowkGeneral public; free newspaper reading roomPaid annual and life memberships; borrowing needs a deposit
American Library (American Center)24 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, near Barakhamba metroNon-members can visit with original photo ID; members must be 16+Individual Rs 400 a year or Rs 700 for two years
British Council Library17 Kasturba Gandhi MargPaid membersPaid plans; check the British Council website
Central Secretariat LibraryG Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Rajendra Prasad RoadGeneral public can consult with original photo IDEntry free; borrowing needs membership
Delhi University librariesNorth Campus and collegesDU students and staff; outside researchers with permissionOutsiders: Rs 100 a month, consultation only
Prime Ministers’ Museum and LibraryTeen Murti HouseBona fide researchersNominal fee
India International Centre LibraryLodhi EstateIIC members and staff onlyNot open to the public

Hardayal Municipal Heritage Public Library, Chandni Chowk

Founded in 1862, Hardayal is often called the oldest public library in Delhi. Its main library is in the historic Hardinge building at Gandhi Ground, Chandni Chowk, with branches at Pul Bangash and Daryaganj. It holds about 1.5 lakh books, including around 8,000 rare texts and 350 handwritten manuscripts. It reopened in June 2021 after restoration.

American Library, Kasturba Gandhi Marg

The American Library at the American Center has served Delhi readers since the 1940s. The US Embassy says it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, and closed on Saturdays and on Indian and American holidays. Family membership costs Rs 500 a year. You apply online and show proof of current residence.

British Council Library

The British Council’s Delhi library is at 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg. Membership is paid and includes access to the British Council’s digital resources. Check the British Council India website for current plans before joining.

Central Secretariat Library, Shastri Bhawan

The Central Secretariat Library is a large government reference library. It is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and gazetted holidays. Entry is free for the general public. Enter through Gate 1 of Shastri Bhawan and show an original photo ID at the gate and at the library’s security counter. The nearest metro station is Central Secretariat.

Delhi University, PMML and IIC

Delhi University’s libraries mainly serve its own students and staff. Outsiders doing research or higher studies can apply at the Central Library for consultation-only membership, with the University Librarian’s permission. The library at the Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library (formerly the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library) at Teen Murti House is a research library on modern Indian history and the social sciences. It is open to bona fide researchers for a nominal fee. The India International Centre library lends only to its members and staff.

What about self-study libraries for aspirants?

In student hubs such as Mukherjee Nagar, Laxmi Nagar and Rajinder Nagar, private self-study libraries have become common. These are paid study halls, not lending libraries. They usually rent out a seat, a desk and Wi-Fi by the month or by the shift. They suit UPSC, SSC and other exam aspirants who need long, quiet study hours. Before paying, visit in person and check the seating, ventilation, washrooms, fire safety and refund terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Delhi Public Library membership free?

Not completely, but it is cheap. The DPL membership rules list a registration fee of Rs 100, or Rs 25 for BPL card holders. If you cannot get your form attested, you can pay a refundable Rs 3,000 security deposit instead. Confirm the current amount at the registration counter before you go.

Can students from outside Delhi join the Delhi Public Library?

Yes. Outstation students can get a temporary membership valid for six months. They pay a refundable Rs 3,000 security deposit and show a student photo ID, voter ID, driving licence or passport. NCR residents can also join on the same terms as Delhi residents, with the same Rs 3,000 deposit.

Where is the main Delhi Public Library?

The central library is on Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, opposite Old Delhi Railway Station. It sits in an old colonial building near Chandni Chowk. The DPL network also has a regional library at Sarojini Nagar, plus branch, sub-branch, community and resettlement colony libraries and mobile vans.

Can I visit the American Library in Delhi without membership?

Yes. According to the US Embassy, non-members are welcome during open hours and do not need an appointment. You must carry an original photo ID, not a photocopy. Regular use and borrowing need a paid membership, which is open to people aged 16 and above.

Can outsiders use Delhi University libraries?

Only in limited cases. DU’s library rules allow outsiders engaged in research or higher studies to get consultation-only membership with the University Librarian’s special permission, for a fee of Rs 100 a month or Rs 200 a quarter. Outsiders in this category cannot borrow books.

Is the India International Centre library open to the public?

No. The IIC library lends books only to registered members and staff of the Centre, and some temporary and outstation members. Its rules do not provide for walk-in public use. If you are not an IIC member, choose DPL, the Central Secretariat Library or the American Library instead.

Sources

Also read: 5 Cheapest Book Markets in Delhi for Students | Best IAS Coaching Institutes in Delhi | Top Engineering Colleges in Delhi

Pankaj, editor of Just Delhi

Written by Pankaj, Founder & Editor, Just Delhi

Pankaj writes about Delhi neighbourhoods, food, travel, weddings, the Delhi Metro and everyday city life, and keeps these guides updated with current prices, timings and local tips. About Just Delhi