Library with 35,000 Books and 10 Million E-books Opens in Delhi; Free Wi-Fi Also Available

The Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library has opened on Udyan Marg in Delhi. It is a major gift for students, featuring 35,000 books, 10 million e-books, free Wi-Fi, and digital facilities.

There is good news for students in Delhi, youths preparing for competitive exams, and book enthusiasts. The NDMC has launched the state-of-the-art Jayaprakash Narayan Public Library on Udyan Marg, which was inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah.

What does the library offer?

Spanning approximately 2,265 square meters, the library can accommodate around 200 people studying simultaneously. It houses over 35,000 books, research journals, and reference materials. Additionally, the facility provides access to over 10 million e-books through its e-library system.

The library features amenities such as a modern reading area, a research center, a dedicated kids' zone, a multipurpose auditorium, free Wi-Fi, and an RFID-based book management system. It will also be linked to the National Digital Library of India.

What the Home Minister said

Amit Shah stated that a country's future is shaped not by agriculture, markets, or industry, but by the youth who visit libraries to read. He remarked that reading books enhances the capacity for thought and understanding; therefore, every young person should connect with a library.

Recalling his childhood, he mentioned that the library in his hometown had a profound impact on his life. Reading storybooks as a child sparked an interest that eventually led him to the Vedas and Upanishads. He emphasized that one should think before speaking and read before thinking, as true understanding stems from books.

He urged the Delhi government to interconnect all public libraries in the capital and link them with schools. He also encouraged the staff of the Jayaprakash Narayan Library to motivate students from nearby schools to visit the library, thereby fostering a reading habit among the youth.

A Great Facility for Students

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that this library is a wonderful gift for the youth and students of Delhi. Students preparing for the UPSC and other competitive examinations, in particular, will find an excellent environment and modern amenities here. She expressed hope that the library would assist young people in realizing their dreams.

NDMC Chairman Keshav Chandra mentioned that the library has been established in memory of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. Meanwhile, NDMC Vice-Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal remarked that, in the future, the library would become a major hub for study, research, and innovative thinking among the youth.