M.J. Library
Constructed in the 1930s, Sheth Maneklal Jethabhai Pustakalaya, better known as M.J. Library, is one of the largest libraries in Ahmedabad with more than seven lakh books and the facility of a mobile library.
The foundation stone of M.J. Library was laid in 1933 AD by Mahatma Gandhi. The building was constructed with funds donated by an eminent citizen Rasiklal Maneklal. Mahatma Gandhi donated 7000 books to the library all of which are still preserved and Swami Akhandanand also contributed to the collection.
Like the nearby Town Hall, the library building is constructed in the Indo-Saracenic or Indo-Gothic architectural style with exposed bricks, painted concrete and eaves with ornate grills.
The orderly layout emphasised by Claude Batley’s architectural principles has been maintained here. The piece-de-resistance is the huge dome that makes this building a remarkable landmark. The central hall with beautiful tilework and other decorations offers access to the different sections of the library building.
The book collection is stacked to the rear of the building while a small hall has a good reference collection of images and old maps of Ahmedabad.
MOST POPULAR ATTRACTION
The library structured was designed in Rajputana colonial style of architecture. The white Rajasthan marbles gives a feeling of both peace and knowledge to the visitors.
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NEARBY AMENITIES
APPROXIMATE TIME REQUIRED TO VISIT
01 Hour
THINGS TO KNOW
The library has ample seating reading arrangements where people of all age groups are found reading books, magazines and newspapers. Entry and reading is free but membership fees are applicable for borrowing books. Library rules apply. At the time of writing, masks are mandatory, sanitizers are provided and some sections of the library have not reopened. Additional Facilities: A vehicular library visits certain areas of the city for the benefit of members who cannot visit the location. For information contact: Sheth Maneklal Jethabhai Library KaviNanalal Marg, Near Town Hall, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad. Phone: +91-79-26586908
Timings :07:30 TO 22:00
Entry Fee : Free
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