David Sassoon Library and Reading Room

Most of us haven’t visited a library since our college days, and remember them to be big, airy rooms full of books from floor to ceiling. It’s been a place where many of us have been transported to another era or even countries far, far away. In a way, it has helped shape who we are as individuals. David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is one of the oldest heritage libraries in the city. And here’s why you need to visit it.

Built in 1870, right in the heart of town (opposite Kala Ghoda, to be precise), this beautiful heritage building with arches, a garden and old-world tiles, lets its members sit in the large garden space and munch on their favorite snacks. You can also spend your time browsing on the vintage deck chairs in the reading room’s balcony. Full of period furniture at every nook and corner, this library is the perfect place to spend some quiet, quality time.

Historic building, entry only for members but visitors can enter the lobby to have a look at old maps of Mumbai displayed at the entrance.

The garden area is just the best place for lit events.. Perfect ambience.
Also, clean washrooms even with the KGAF footfall!

Excellent place. Quite and calm. All newspaper and magazine are easily available. Can come and study. Right in the heart of Mumbai. I just love this place.

Heritage library, calm environment. But now it's a little costly, after Renovation and Reopening. And they don't have half-yearly membership plan, they only have one full year membership plan.

The David Sassoon Library is located right in the middle of Bombay, it first opened its doors in 1870. It is now temporarily closed due the pandemic but hopefully it will open again once this worldwide nightmare is over.

The building itself is beautiful inside and out but I couldn’t get past the lobby. I would’ve loved to see what Sassoon had in mind for the upstairs. Worth going inside to see his statue.

We were lucky enough to wander in during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, on a day when the back garden was open for a used book sale and author readings. It was a wonderful relaxed place to find some interesting books and hear some poetry.

In Bombay, open spaces that don't literally break you into a sweat, are a real blessing! The David Sassoon Library garden is one such beautiful, welcoming space. Tall trees with huge canopies are a natural acoustic barrier, cuts all noise from the busy road. And the garden has SWINGS!!
❤🤍💚

How much is membership fees for this library?

They are not responding to calls.

The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is a famous library and heritage structure in Mumbai, India. The idea for a library to be situated in the center of the city came from Albert Sassoon, son of the famous Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist, David Sassoon.

Very beautiful and peaceful place to study.
You'll need a jacket in winter and will feel a bit hot in Summer. Overall ventilation in the room and feel of the place for studying is wonderful.
There's garden at the backside and a place to have lunch there.
The staff is very warm and helpful.
Rules are strict.
Library membership around Rs5000 for a year.

History

The David Sassoon Library houses one of the oldest living Library and Reading rooms in use in Mumbai. Members of all age groups visit it as it is conveniently located in the Fort Area in an old business district in the city of Mumbai. The Library has been listed as a Grade heritage structure within the Fort precinct and the Museum sub-precinct as per the Heritage Regulations of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation (1995).
A group of young mechanics and foremen of the Royal Mint and Government Dockyard established a museum and library for mechanical models and architectural design, in 1847, which led to the creation of the Sassoon Library. In 1863, Sir David Sassoon, a leading banker of Mumbai, contributed Rs.60,000/- to the government to build a Mechanic’s Institute, now called the David Sassoon Library



This Venetian Gothic styled structure, completed in 1870, forms part of an important ensemble of buildings, that are crucial for the image of the Fort Area. The library today still boasts of growing membership. It houses a large collection of very rare old books. The reading room is frequented often by working students due to its convenient location in the heart of the business district. In 1996, on the occasion of its 150 Anniversary, an extensive fund-raising exercise was undertaken for the first major restoration efforts carried out to the Library.
The Restoration process dealt largely with undoing the damages caused to the building with all the additions urgent restoration tasks were attended to. However, it was found that after eight years many of the unattended areas needed urgent attention. Hence, rather than the earlier fragmented approach, there is a need to collect a sufficient corpus for restoration and work towards a comprehensive restoration program for the Library. It would ensure that all the restoration tasks are attended to and carried out under strict supervision of the consultants within a structured time frame.

I'm a life member here and it pains to see this building getting ruined every passing day. It's an iconic place and architecture dating way back to 1847. High time Govt authorities look into and support this. Located in heart of Kala Ghoda, facing Jehangir Art Gallery, this place is simply awesome. If one likes reading and spending quality time, this is a place to be.

Excellent place to study. Proper ventilation. Nice sitting arrangement. Clean washrooms. Helpful staff. Not just excellent reading room but a heritage library with huge collection of books. And that too at a reasonable price.

Awesome Library. Its one of the oldest in the city and certainly gives u the colonial era feeling :)
Also it has free wifi if ur interested in some online learning. The process to get admission to the library is such that unwanted elements are avoided. Thats good. Also there are rest chairs in the balcony to rest for sometime if ur tired by continous study.
One thing is that it is near to the road so there is lot of noice too but if ur concentration is good enough then it should not matter at all.
Go for it :)

Library construction in Roman Architecture style, is still in good condition.

Where else can you find a reading room open till 9 pm till the evening..best library in Mumbai. Has nice tables, chairs, additional lights for separate use on tables, additional fans, charging facilities for mobile and laptop , Wi-Fi , balcony with comfortable chairs, beautiful garden at the back for a walking reading, chelaxing.overall library earn from side 5*****.

David Sassoon Library & Reading Room is located near Fort area in Mumbai. It is opposite to Jehangir Art Gallery & Kala Ghoda statue. It is well connected through road and it is also accessible through railway service as Churchgate railway station is near to it. It is located on Mahatma Gandhi Road. It is a famous library & heritage building in Mumbai. It is the brainchild of Albert Sassoon, son of the famous Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist , David Sassoon.

Probably the best library in Mumbai. Has nice tables, chairs, additional lights for individual use on tables, additional fans, electric points for each seat for mobile or laptop charging, wi-fi at extra cost, balcony with comfort chairs for leisurely reading, own garden at the back for a stroll with seats for reading / relaxing. Also this is a Historical Monument as per Government of India and included in UN's list of historical buildings.