Only avid readers and bookworms know the joy of smelling a book and getting lost in the imaginary and fantasy world of books for hours. A library is a place of solace for book-lovers and bibliophiles and they know the joy of reading physical books by turning each and every page and entering a new world.
Pune—also known as the Oxford of the East, is home to some brilliant libraries and in this article, we will explore the best libraries in Pune.
Enhance Your Knowledge - Explore Best Libraries in Pune
Knowledge is power and this power rests in some of the old library buildings of the city.
So, which is the best library in Pune? Which is the best library for study, which is the most famous library in the city? Let us find out the answers to all these questions.
1. British Council
The British Council Library hosts books, comics, and magazines of various genres to suit various preferences of the young and the old.
Established in the year 1960, this library offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. They also host various workshops and other events regularly, where you can enhance your knowledge of the English language and literature among other things.
The cozy ambience of this place and the impressive and vast collection of books will blow your mind away. Previously located on Fergusson College Road, this library is now shifted to Shivajinagar.
Address: 3rd floor, Ramsukh House, Ganeshkhind Road, Near Sancheti Hospital, Shivaji Nagar, Pune
Timings: Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm (Monday closed)
2. Jagtap Model Library
Started in the year 2006, this library has a vast collection of over 4000 books in English as well as Marathi. There are books related to art and culture, religion, and history among other genres. If you are a fan of Marathi novelists, this library will prove to be a treasure trove for you!
They have six membership plans to choose from and the plans are quite affordable. The cozy seating area is a huge plus for the bibliophiles.
Address: Rahul Park Co-op Housing Society, Gaikwad Nagar, Near Gaikwad Petrol Pump, Aundh, Pune
Timings: Monday to Friday, 7.30 am to 9.30 pm; Saturday, 7.30 am to 5 pm (Sunday closed)
3. Books Meridian
This library boasts over 20,000 books in multiple languages! They also have an online library service, wherein the books can be delivered to your doorstep! The books cater to all genres and age groups and you can add up to 10 books to your wish list.
They have multiple subscription plans catering to all types of book lovers.
Address: First Floor, Ashiyana Apts, DP Road, Wireless Colony, Aundh, Diagonally Opp DAV School, Pune
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
4. Just Books Library
This library hosts books for all age groups— from toddlers to teenagers to adults. Books of various genres such as fiction, travel, cooking, spirituality, and self-help can be found under one roof here.
They have over 18,000 books and offer various monthly and yearly subscription plans. They also deliver the books to your home and they are well-known for their vast collection of non-fiction books.
Address: Shop No. 20-21, Riddhi Enclave, Near Ganpati Chowk, Viman Nagar, Pune
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm (Thursday closed)
5. Bookaholic Library
This library updates its collection every few weeks and is a great place to find contemporary literature. The good news for all the book lovers out there is that there is no limit to the number of books that you can rent and their membership is also very budget-friendly!
It also has a warm and inviting ambience and you can soak in all the knowledge by reading the books here.
Address: Sai Nagri Society, Shop No A2, Near Nagarwala School, Kalyani Nagar, Pune
Timings: 11 am to 2pm; 6 pm to 9 pm
6. Friends Library
With a wide selection of books, novels and magazines, this library is a cozy place to read books. They have a great selection of books for young children. They have books available in English, Marathi and Hindi languages.
They have over 18,000 books and they offer other services such as photocopying, lamination and spiral binding which are open to all.
Address: Shop No 2, Crystal Castle, Opposite Salunke Vihar, Wanowrie, Pune
Timings: 9.30 am to 1.30 pm; 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Closed on Sundays)
7. Library Mantra
Hosting books across genres such as science and technology, fitness, cooking, food and wine, this library boasts of a collection of over 12,000 books. You can find your favorite novels in Marathi and English here and they also have an online collection of your favorite books. You can select the books online and they deliver them for free, but you can order only one boom at a time.
Address: 3, Shri Venkatesh Apartments, Aranyeshwar Road, Sahakar Nagar, Pune
Timings: 9.30 am to 2 pm; 4 pm to 10 pm
8. The Phoenix Library
Want to peruse books that are over 100 years old? Then, the Phoenix Library is the place to be. They have a wide collection of books belonging to various genres and a reading room that boasts of a pleasant atmosphere.
The Phoenix Library was founded in 1959 by bibliophile J N Ponda. The books and magazines have clippings related to the author, subject or title that JN Ponda has collected over the years. This library is also listed in the Limca Book of Records for its clippings.
Address: Shop No 1, Upper Ground Floor, Pratham Apartment, Kumthekar Road, Pune
Timings: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (Sunday closed)
9. Pune Vachan Mandir
The Pune Vachan Mandir is a 175-year-old library situated in Budhwar Peth. It has a variety of books, newspapers, and magazines available in English, Marathi, and Hindi.
They have an impressive collection of ancient and rare volumes of books and have elevator access for the elderly.
Address: 181, Laxmi Rd, Tulshibaug, Budhwar Peth, Pune
Timings: 8.30 am to 8 pm (Wednesday closed)
10. Gyaan Adab library
This library’s tagline is Celebrating Literature and they live up to it buy hosting various literary events such as book signings and discussions.
They have a pleasant and calm reading room and their recreational space is for people to have discussions and debates about books.
Address: 3C, Bungalow 30, Lane, Off Vitthalrao Vandekar Road, Kalyani Nagar, Pune
Timings: 10 am to 6.30 pm (Closed on Sundays)