Fading vibrancy of Delhi’s public libraries

Hardayal Municipal Library once thrived as a sanctuary for readers and scholars alike, offering refuge from the city’s noise within its quiet halls (Photo: Hardayal Municipal Library )

At the heart of old Delhi’s bustling Chandni Chowk, tucked away amidst the chaos of vendors and honking rickshaws, stands Hardayal Municipal Library, a silent witness to over a century of history. Established in 1862, this library once thrived as a sanctuary for readers and scholars alike, offering refuge from the city’s noise within its quiet halls.

Its ornate wooden shelves, brimming with books that span centuries, were once the go-to place for children and students, many of whom poured into the library in droves, eager to devour its vast collection. However, today, Hardayal’s grandeur is fading. What was once a bustling intellectual hub now struggles to draw in more than 150 visitors a day, a sharp contrast to the hundreds of children who used to line its corridors, engrossed in their books.

Pradeep Kumar

Pradeep Kumar, 40-year-old a library assistant at Hardayal Municipal Library, reflects on the dramatic decline in visitors over the years.

“At one point, thousands of people, especially students, used to visit this library every day. It was always full of energy, students preparing for exams, young kids eager to pick up their favourite books and older people diving into newspapers or classics. But now, we are lucky if we see 100 to 150 people in a day. It is not the same anymore. With smartphones and digital media, everything is available online. People prefer reading on their phones or tablets and fewer families see the need to come to a physical library. There is a belief that libraries are outdated or irrelevant in this digital age, but that is far from the truth. The value of sitting in a quiet space, surrounded by books, is something technology can’t replace. But sadly, most people don’t feel the need to come here anymore, and we see it in the numbers,” Kumar tells Media India Group.

His words echo a larger challenge faced by libraries across the city how to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world, he also highlights the shifting demographics of visitors.

Hardayal Municipal Library is witnessing only 100 to 150 people in a day (Photo: Masrat Nabi)

Hardayal Municipal Library is facing several challenges that threaten its survival (Photo: Masrat Nabi)

“These days, we see more of the older generation coming in the morning to read the newspapers. They still have that habit of coming to the library, sitting quietly and spending few hours here. But when it comes to the younger generation, the interest just is not there like it used to be. A few years ago, the library was filled with students and children, but now, the numbers keep dropping, now everything is at their fingertips, so they don’t see the point of visiting the library. It is a trend that is been growing and unfortunately, the decline is becoming more noticeable with each passing year,” he adds.

Despite the challenges of dwindling visitors, the library has taken steps to engage with the younger generation by creating a mini library for children from nursery to 8th standard.

“We have built a colourful space filled with stories waiting to be discovered, yet it feels like a missed opportunity when children aren’t here to explore. It is a challenge to spark their curiosity when the community is not as invested,” Kumar adds.

Sonu Sharma

Despite its rich history and cultural significance, the Hardayal Municipal Library is facing several challenges that threaten its survival. Along with dwindling visitor numbers, the library is grappling with serious maintenance issues. From aging infrastructure to inadequate facilities, the library is struggling to keep pace with modern demands.

“The library has been dealing with a lot of issues, especially when it comes to maintenance. We are struggling with old furniture, broken shelves and a lack of proper lighting in some areas. It is all because of the lack of funding. We don’t have the resources to update our infrastructure or even to properly maintain the books and facilities we already have. If we had more support, we could improve the library, make it more welcoming and even attract more visitors. But without that financial backing, it is difficult to keep up,” Sonu Sharma, 43-year-old accountant of the library, tells Media India Group.

The Delhi Public Library once a cornerstone of Delhi’s educational and cultural landscape, is also experiencing similar setbacks (Photo: Masrat Nabi)

The struggles of Hardayal Municipal Library are not unique. The Delhi Public Library (DPL) once a cornerstone of Delhi’s educational and cultural landscape, is also experiencing similar setbacks. It was established in 1951 with financial and technical support from UNESCO, with the aim of providing free and accessible library and information services to Delhi’s citizens. It was also meant to provide an informal space for the exchange of ideas and values among the members. Initially set up at Chandni Chowk, over the years, it was developed into a network of nine public libraries, situated in various parts of Delhi.

The establishment of DPL was one of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s first steps towards improving the literacy rate in the country. Today, DPL operates under the Centre’s Culture Ministry. However, despite being under the union government’s purview, the library remains neglected, waiting for much-needed attention and care, the DPL has seen a significant decline in both footfall and resources over the years. Like Hardayal, the Delhi Public Library has been facing challenges in maintaining its infrastructure and keeping up with the evolving needs of modern readers. Limited funding has resulted in outdated collections and worn-out facilities, further contributing to the decrease in visitors, especially among the younger generation.

There was a time when hundreds of students would visit daily, and we had to set up extra benches and tables in the corridors because we ran out of space inside (Photo: Masrat Nabi)

“We have definitely seen a decline in students over the years. There was a time when hundreds of students would visit daily, and we had to set up extra benches and tables in the corridors because we ran out of space inside. Every corner of the library would be filled with young people studying for exams or reading. But now, while students still come, it is nowhere near what it used to be. The numbers have dropped significantly and the library just doesn’t have that same buzz of activity it once had,” Geeta Pant, 36-year-old, Librarian-cum-Information Assistant tells Media India Group.

While many have shifted to digital platforms for reading and studying, there are still students who value the quiet, focused environment that libraries provide. For these students, public libraries remain a crucial resource, offering not only access to books but also a space free from distractions.

“I still come here because it is one of the few places where I can really concentrate. At home, there are always distractions, but here, I can focus on my studies without interruptions. The library gives me access to a lot of reference books I wouldn’t have otherwise. It is peaceful and I prefer studying here compared to crowded cafés or noisy homes. Though I have noticed that fewer students come now, for those of us who do, it’s still an important space,” Rahul Verma, a 26-year-old student, who is a regular visitor to the Delhi Public Library, tells Media India Group.

The decline in library is not limited to public institutions only but private libraries are also feeling the impact. Spartan Library in Sarita Vihar is experiencing a similar downturn, struggling to maintain its visitor numbers.

“I remember when hundreds of students would flock to our library, books in hand, eager to study and prepare for their exams. The energy was palpable, with every table occupied and discussions buzzing in the air. Now, it is heart-breaking to see only a few students trickling in. I can’t help but feel a sense of loss for the vibrant community we once had. The decline is not just about numbers; it’s about the dreams and aspirations of these young minds that seem to be fading away with each empty seat,” Prabhat Singh, 38-year-old Library Attendant at Spartan Library, tells Media India Group.