The increasing number of libraries in Islamabad has led to more learning opportunities, more support for literacy and education, and the shaping of new ideas that are fundamental for a creative and innovative society.
Access to well-built libraries, art museums, and other cultural institutions is essential to the development and prosperity of every nation.
The city of Islamabad is home to a significant number of libraries, each of which houses a sizable collection of books, academic journals, periodicals, newspapers, and DVDs that educate readers on topics relating to culture, history, academics, and both local and worldwide current affairs.
Graana.com gives an overview of libraries in Islamabad below.
Libraries in Islamabad
| Library | Address |
Timings |
| National Library of Pakistan | Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat or Constitution Avenue, G-5 | Monday to Friday – 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday and Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm (for members only) |
| Quaid-e-Azam Library | Fatima Jinnah Park, F-9 | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 4 pm |
| CDA Library | G-11 Markaz | Monday to Friday – 9 am to 8 pm |
| Smart Street Library | Street 10, F-6/3, F-6 | Open 24/7 |
| Islamabad Public Library | Plot #35, Service Rd E, H-9/4 H-9 | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm |
| Library of Congress | US Embassy, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna-5 | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm |
| Minhaj-ul-Quran International Library | Lehtrar Road, Chirah Chowk, Chirah, Nilore | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm |
| Jinnah Public Library | Diplomatic Enclave Islamabad | Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm |
National Library of Pakistan
The National Library of Pakistan is one of the oldest public libraries in Pakistan, and it has an extensive collection of printed books, manuscripts, and pictures – some of which date back to the 18th century. Additionally, it is one of the few libraries in Pakistan to have a collection of maps that date back to the mid-19th century.
In addition, the library holds many manuscripts, some of which are copies of works written by famous personalities in Pakistan like Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Muhammad Iqbal. The library is home to a vast assortment of electronic resources, such as online catalogues, databases, e-books, and e-journals, as well as an extensive collection of printed works and handwritten documents.
Quaid-e-Azam Library
Quaid-e-Azam Library is both the largest and most well-known library in the city. It is located in Fatima Jinnah Park, one of the best parks in Islamabad.
It is especially helpful for research purposes as it has a vast collection of books, contemporary research journals, periodicals, and newspapers. In addition, the staff is always ready to provide assistance.
CDA Library
CDA Library was built with the goal of advancing research and knowledge, as well as promoting a healthier lifestyle. Both the CDA (Capital Development Authority) and the Department of Libraries in Islamabad are working together on this initiative.
Therefore, visitors can find both a fitness centre and a library in the same facility. They have access to cutting-edge workout equipment, as well as a vast selection of books that cover a number of subjects.
Smart Street Library
The Smart Street Library is a novel and forward-thinking approach to encourage people to read more. This small library officially opened for business in 2021 at sector F-6 by the Director-General of ICT.
It is a place where people can meet, socialise and exchange books with others. This is especially beneficial for those who cannot afford to buy books or sign up for a library membership.
Islamabad Public Library
The Islamabad Public Library is the ideal venue for academics and students of CSS as it houses more than 30,000 volumes.
You will be required to pay a one-time charge to obtain a membership card in order to take advantage of the library’s resources.
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress houses Pakistan’s most extensive public collection of books, and it is also the second most extensive library in all of South Asia. It contains more than two million resources, which include books, journals, newspapers, magazines, audio and video recordings, and maps.
The library also features a research section, which provides services such as an online catalogue and access to other online resources.
Minhaj-ul-Quran International Library
This is one of just three international Islamic libraries in all of South Asia, and it is the only one located in Pakistan. It was founded in 1998, and now has more than one million volumes relating to Islam and other aspects of the Muslim culture.
Additionally, the library features a reading room that hosts Islamic-themed lectures and forum discussions on a regular basis.
Jinnah Public Library
Residents of the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad have access to a broad variety of resources, thanks to this well-stocked library. Apart from a sizable collection of books, it also has a wide collection of CDs and DVDs, in addition to a great number of computer resources.
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