Exploring the living legacy of MJ Library in Ahmedabad

Inaugurated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 15th April 1938, MJ Library is now one of the most cherished spots for the youth and senior citizens of Ahmedabad, offering a serene environment for reading, writing, and studying. As one of the oldest libraries in the city, it has undoubtedly become an integral part of Ahmedabad

Situated in the heart of the city, the library boasts a vast collection of over 7,50,000 books. The vision for this public library was initially conceived by Mahatma Gandhi, who desired to create a space where his collection of books could be shared with the public.

With the support of philanthropist and businessman, Sheth Rasiklal Maneklal, the local authorities were able to establish the library, which is one of the best libraries in Ahmedabad.

The Rajputana Colonial style of architecture immediately captures one's attention when at the MJ Library. The design, masterfully crafted by Claude Batley, showcases the exquisite beauty of this style. The entrance foyer welcomes visitors with an octagonal space adorned with a dome on top, while the building itself features ornamental chhajjas and jalis.

Batley's incorporation of these elements, rooted in traditional Indian architecture, not only enhances the library's aesthetic appeal but also serves as a practical climatic essential. Engaging in reading, in such an enchanting setting is truly an immersive experience.

The history of MJ Library dates back to 1933. Being an ardent reader, Mahatma Gandhi possessed an extensive collection of books spanning various genres, including fiction, travelogues, poetry, religion, spirituality, and even analytic geometry. It was his aspiration to establish a library using these books and those collected by The Ashram over the years.

With the financial contribution of Rasiklal Maneklal, the library was built and named after Sheth Maneklal Jethalal, his father. In addition to Gandhi's donation of 7,000 books, Swami Akhandamad also made significant contributions to the collection. These treasured collections are now preserved in a dedicated section of the library, with ongoing efforts to digitize many of them.

Incidentally, the library's reading room serves as a haven for students, attracting numerous visitors who seek a peaceful environment for reading. Unlike borrowing books, which require membership fees, the reading room allows individuals to access the place without any charge.

Moreover, for those unable to visit the library, their mobile library provides a valuable service. It travels to different locations in the city according to a predefined schedule, offering a variety of books that can be exchanged for reading. This convenient service is even included in the lifetime membership cost.

With a wealth of newspapers, magazines, and academic material available, the library caters to the diverse needs of its visitors, particularly students. It also boasts dedicated sections for women and children, as well as separate reading rooms for men and women. With over nine branches of MJ Library spread across the city, the Ashram Road branch serves as the main headquarters.

In addition, the library features an audio library section specifically designed for visually impaired visitors, along with an auditorium that hosts frequent cultural activities. Evolving with the times, the library has also developed an extensive e-book archive to further enhance its offerings.