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Reading, an activity both exciting and calming, never fails to deliver. It serves as the perfect retreat when seeking a break or an escape from reality, offering a journey into a whole new world. Reading not only enhances mental capacity but also enriches knowledge, and vocabulary, and contributes to the development of a more substantial personality. With options ranging from fiction to biographies, non-fiction, and more, choices are abundant until you discover the perfect book. Regardless of preference, time spent reading is never wasted, ensuring a gain from each reading session. Moreover, reading fosters awareness, with the acquisition of new knowledge each time a book is explored. This highlights why experts emphasize introducing reading to young children from an early age.
In today's rapidly advancing digital world, the cherished tradition of visiting a library and immersing oneself in hours of reading has become less frequent. However, libraries remain a necessity and an essential element of society, serving as the home base for all knowledge. Despite the increasing popularity of online reading, where everything is accessible with a click, nothing surpasses the experience of visiting a library, physically holding a book, and reading to one's heart's content. In line with this sentiment, we present some of Mumbai's most popular libraries.
Mumbai’s marvellous libraries to be visited by every book lover
1. Asiatic Library
A human library, in Mumbai, is a unique concept that the city has been witness to, a human library functions on the concept of replacing books with people. Just as you visit a regular library and lend a book that you then read to your heart’s full, the same process goes for a human library as well. The only difference is that instead of getting a book for yourself, you choose a person with whom you choose to sit and just talk about anything you want. A visit to a human library in Mumbai is a must to witness this new concept for yourself.
2. Human library
The Human Library in Mumbai introduces a unique concept that deviates from the traditional idea of libraries. In this innovative setting, books are replaced with people. Similar to borrowing a book from a regular library and immersing yourself in its contents, the human library operates on a comparable principle. The distinction lies in the fact that, rather than selecting a book, you choose a person with whom you engage in open conversation about any topic of your choosing. A visit to the Human Library in Mumbai is highly recommended to experience this novel concept firsthand.
3. Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya
The Mumbai Marathi Grantha Sangrahalaya, situated in Dadar, stands as a renowned library and is likely one of the oldest on this list. With its establishment dating back to 1898, this Dadar library boasts a rich history spanning over a century. The walls and hallways of the library have been witnesses to a wealth of historical events, cultural developments, and diverse facts. A visit to this Dadar library offers a fascinating journey through India's history and culture.
4. David Sassoon library
The David Sassoon Library is a renowned government library in Mumbai, known for its iconic building among the city's historical structures. This government library in Mumbai has a history spanning around hundred and fifty years that attracts not only book lovers but also those with an appreciation for architecture. The distinctive features such as high arches, a garden, and the serene atmosphere make this government library in Mumbai a favourite destination, evoking a sense of a bygone era.
5. H D Kanga Memorial Sports Library
Mumbai caters to diverse interests, and this is evident in the variety of offerings it provides to its residents. A notable example is a sports-based library, recognized as one of the finest libraries in Churchgate. It serves as a haven for sports enthusiasts, offering an extensive collection of sports literature, including books, journals, and commentaries. What makes this library even more exceptional is its impressive assortment of non-sports-related books, encyclopaedias, and journals, solidifying its status as one of the best libraries in Churchgate.
6. J N Petit Institute Library and Reading Room
This extraordinary library boasts a substantial collection of old and rare manuscripts, journals, international newspapers, and more, making it one of Mumbai's most exceptional libraries. Among its treasures are hard-to-find classic fictional books and copies of renowned newspapers such as the New Yorker, some dating back a hundred or more years. A visit to this library promises a delightful journey through world history, meticulously preserved within its shelves and books.
7. Triumph library
A renowned library in Borivali, this establishment is well-regarded among both students and adults. It offers a diverse collection of books spanning various genres, aiming to bring the enchanting world of literature directly to people's doorsteps. This library in Borivali, curated by passionate book enthusiasts, is dedicated to spreading the joy of reading and expanding the horizons of individuals within the comfort of their familiar surroundings.
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