10 Libraries In Mumbai For The Bookworm In You

Over two centuries old, The Asiatic Library is a treasure trove of age old manuscripts, rare journals and historic magazines forgotten in the sands of time. Being a member here can mean that you suddenly stumble upon a really old newspaper belonging to eras gone by. The library is now in the process of preserving its old content by converting them to the digital form. This would make it even easier for more people to access, although it would not be the same without the Asiatic Library’s physical presence.

Membership Fees: INR 3000 for the year; INR 20000 for life

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM (Sunday closed)

LBB-tip: The most crucial thing while becoming a member here is getting a referral from two existing members of the library, an address proof and a photo ID to complete the process.

MCubed is more than just a library. While its commendable collection is respectable, what’s great to note are the reading rooms, discussion sessions and even a literature festival for its members, all of which encourage sharing of knowledge and intermingling of cultures. MCubed (pronounced em-kyoobed) was established in 1981 and has a massive collection of Marathi literature, which happens to be its forte. It divides the collection between kids and adults, and is situated in Bandra.

Membership Fees: They offer three kinds of annual membership: Galaxy, which includes four books plus one magazine at the time of borrowing for INR 2,200; Sun, which includes two books plus one magazine for INR 1,700. And if you do not like the yearly commitment, you can also opt for the Moon membership which is a half-yearly membership for INR 850, which lets you borrow one book and one magazine at a time. The reading room membership is INR 200 per month.

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

LBB-tip: The library has a table out in the front, opposite to the reception with second-hand books up for grabs. Check out the entire list of all the books available at the library here.

The JN Petit Library and Reading Room has been there since 1856. Nestled in its imperial building in Fort, it exudes an aura that is a sheer experience in itself. The library has a separate room dedicated to really old and rare copies, manuscripts and journals, which is possibly its greatest strength and USP. Adding to that are the ambience and the massive, massive collection of bookings amounting for over 150,000 copies!

Membership Fees: Annual membership will cost you INR 1,000 where you’re allowed to take three books and three periodicals (two new and one old). They also have life membership for INR 10,500.

Timings: 7 AM to 8:30 PM

LBB-tip: They regularly update their collections and have books that suit every kind of a reader. So if you're looking for new stock, be assured that you will find it here.

Trilogy is a brilliantly-curated library for books in Bandra, and plot twist: it also plays a double role as a bookshop. There are rows upon rows of books in every genre and the owners are welcoming enough to show you around, and ask you about your tastes and preferences and recommend books based on that. 

Membership Fees: They have a number of different membership plans starting at INR 500 per month with INR 1000 refundable security deposit. You can choose from General and Children's books or a combination of the two. Know more about it here.

Timings: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Monday closed)

LBB-tip: They have a children’s section, as well as a library for adults with a massive fantasy genre section for those who find reality too boring.

Yet another century-old library in SoBo, The People's Free Reading Public Library has a great collection of publications from the British Rule era of India. It also has a dedicated section for students and offer then subsidised memberships, and its reading rooms are almost always full and there’s a vibrant aura of excitement in the air.

Membership Fees: INR 200 monthly for students and INR 1500 for lifetime membership

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

LBB-tip: There’s even a separate newspaper reading section if you're interested in catching up on news in a peaceful environment.

David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is one of the oldest heritage libraries in the city. With the introduction of new facilities such as WiFi, e-learning and e-book readers, most of us can spend some time here gathering knowledge of all things unknown. 

Membership Fees: INR 5000 for an annual membership and INR 25,000 for lifetime membership.

Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM

LBB-tip: You can also spend your time browsing on the vintage deck chairs in the reading room’s balcony. 

The library is open 365 days a week and it's open late during exam season.

You will find this hidden gem in the bustling suburb of Kandivali. Dreambaux offers a peaceful retreat for book lovers. You can sit here and do your studies around its quaint and calming interiors. The library is a house of thoughtful books across various genres. It’s indeed a perfect place if you are a niche literature geek. The most attractive section is the co-working area giving utmost focused section for dedicated study and work. Plus, you can have the convenience of an in-house snack shelf while exploring the well-curated collection of books.

Membership fees: INR 120 for a day

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM (Mon to Sat) and 10 AM to 8 PM (Sun) 

Contact: +918369551312

This library is the heart of the serene campus of the Yoga Institute in Santacruz.  The place is greatly known for yoga here, hence not a lot of people know about the library facilities. The library structure is a scientifically designed space hosting more than 6000 books in various languages and subjects.If you love yoga, spirituality, and Indian philosophy the place boasts a vivid collection worth a read.

Membership fees: You can simply read books here for free of cost.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 8 PM

LBB-tip: You can buy some great Yoga books directly from here. 

Contact: +919833864964

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan stands for the great communicator of Bharatiya Sanskriti. This multilingual cultural hub is settled in Grant Road and has a collection of the rich heritage of India. The books here are a treasure trove for readers who are passionate about learning and preserving Indian traditions. You can surf through the library catalogue online at their website.

Membership Fees: INR 600 annually. No lending facility is available in this membership.

Timings: 10:15 AM to 5:30 PM; Closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays and Sundays.

LBB-tip: You can reserve a book online via their website.

Contact: 9321388031

The British Council Library has been a beacon for book lovers since 1948. This digital reading space reflects the right blend of modern resources with old manuscripts. You’ll find an iconic collection of over 85000 books, journals, and online resources covering everything from fiction, non-fiction, academic, and professional materials. Members can access this library from anywhere, thanks to its digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks.

Membership Fees: INR 1900 a year for the Digital Library

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Sunday closed)

LBB-tip: For those preparing for competitive exams and not interested in borrowing books, there is an exclusive two-month membership plan for them that comes for INR 1200.

Contact: 01169032222

Psst! Bookworms, we also think you'll love these lovely gifts for yourself or a fellow book lover.