Readers, Ahoy! Add These Libraries In Hyderabad To Your Speed Dial NOW

Telangana State Central Library is one of the oldest and best libraries in Hyderabad. It houses more than 5,00,000 books and magazines along with palm-leaf manuscripts that’ll leave you in awe. Find an exhaustive collection of books on science, technology, medicine, fiction, non-fiction, legal, history, world politics, etc. Some of the manuscripts date back to the 5th century. 

Membership fee: The first year membership costs you INR 150, and INR 50 from the second year.

City Central Library in Ashok Nagar houses over 2 lakhs of books, magazines, and newspapers. It’s a place where readers can study, or enjoy a book not only indoors, but also underneath the many trees on its premises. This public library has multiples sections like the academics, general, periodicals, reference, preservations, and a children’s section too. Spread across two floors, these sections have books of different languages. Availing membership at this library costs very little.

Membership fee: INR 150 (lifetime membership) and you can also borrow books worth INR 150 on that membership for 14 days.

Just Books has several outlets across the city, and if you love fiction, it cannot get better than this. Graphic novels by Alan Moore and comics like Tin Tin and Asterix grabbed our attention. If you are into non-fiction and self-help books, find them in numbers. Their children's book collection is wider, with Amar Chitra Katha, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, The Diary Of Wimpy Kid series on offer. Since they have an online presence, their catalog has more books than what is at the store. Plus, if you are an online member, books are delivered at your doorstep.

Membership fee:  A 3-month membership is priced at INR 900, but if you take a monthly plan, it costs around INR 350.

British Council in Jubilee Hills has a library and it's arguably one of the most well-stocked libraries out there. Apart from thousands of books, hardbound beauties, and magazines, British Library also offers digital content that you can access from the comfort of your home. The space is quite vast, well-lit, and reminds you of solid university libraries, and they host plenty of events too. 

Membership fee: The annual membership costs INR 2,000 and they have other membership options like family, student, corporate, online, etc. 

Books n More is a library and activity centre for kids that also doubles up as a venue for arts events and workshops. Located in Maredpally, this might look like a home library, on first look. Don't be fooled by its appearance as this hidden gem has tons of books. The storytelling and reading activities for children are what makes this place stand out, though. They also host workshops on crafts, drawing, dance, and more.

Membership fee: INR 100 per month

Sri Krishna Devaraya Andhra Bhasha Nilayam in Sultan Bazaar is nearly a century old and if you are looking for regional Telugu literature, you'll hit a gold spot with this. With more than 40,000 books, newspapers, and magazines, this library is definitely our parents' favourite and if you are interested in discovering Telugu literature, go here. 

InkReaders is a book rental library in Kondapur, and if you live in and around this area, this is where you must head. Talking about convenience, they have a proper online presence and deliver books at your doorstep. Whether you love fiction or self-help books, you can either check them out at their physical library or online catalogue. The prices range from INR 10 per day to INR 50 a week or opt for a monthly membership.

Membership fee: INR 250-400 per month.

Catering to children and young adults, The Book Shelf is a quaint library and learning centre in SBH Colony, Amberpet. With cane chairs and benches that'll accommodate about eight people, say hello to a bit of word art, inspirational posters, and bulletin boards where you can stick up your artwork. From Famous Five to Harry Potter and Goosebumps, these folks have books in many genres for children to find what interests them. What more? They also house books recommended by the CBSE board that'll widen their vocabulary and give them a joyful reading experience.

Membership fee: INR 200 per month

Tucked inside the green corner of Ramakrishna Math in Domalguda which is famous for being a spiritual place, organising meditation classes, and personality development classes, Vivekananda library has calm, soothing vibes all around it. This library consists of a children's section, educational section, spiritual section, and adults sections. Tintin comics, Amar Chithra Katha, Tinkle, Asterix, Famous Five — children can spend hours in this library reading books they'd enjoy.

Membership fee: The admission fee is INR 7; a refundable deposit is INR 100. Once you become a member, you can borrow a book for 14 days and get it extended later if you want.