Written by: Dr. Saba Noor
Posted on: May 02, 2022 | 
| 中文
A view of the Library from outside
Hasrat Mohani District Central Library is one of the central libraries in Hyderabad, which attracts hundreds of college students as well as those preparing for competitive exams on a daily basis. Located in the Shahi Bazaar area of the Hyderabad city, situated on the opposite side of the historic Mukhi House Museum and adjacent to the Pakka Qila Road, it is the largest and biggest reference library in the city.
The building of the library can be recognized from a distance with its red bricks, which makes the giant walls even more prominent. The library is spread over an area of 18,000 sq ft, with the compound of the library consisting of 1.5 acres of land. It is a double story building consisting of separate portions for girls and boys, comprising of 6 rooms and a big reading hall. The interior architecture and design of the library are antique and eye catching.
A view of the reading hall from the upper portion of the Library
The name of the library has been changing with the change of the ruler: it was Homstead Hall under the British Raj, Bhai Wassiamal and Hiranand Free Reading room until 1967, and after that, Maulana Hasrat Mohani District Central Library. It was initially built by the British who named it ‘Homestead Hall’, in the memory of a well-known civil surgeon of Hyderabad, Dr. Homestead. After the exit of the British, The Wassimal brothers sponsored the renovation of the library, which led to it being named after them. It was renamed Hasrat Mohani Central library in memory of the renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter, Maulana Hasrat Mohani. Instead of building new libraries and schools, the tradition of changing names of buildings built by the ex-colonizers continues to this day.
The inscription of Bhai Wassiamal and Hiranand Free Reading Room on the walls of the Library
After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the head office of Radio Pakistan was shifted to the library building, while the library was confined to only a single room. In 1967, when a new building was established for Radio Pakistan, the Free Reading Hall was then named as Hasrat Mohani District Central Library, and the Library came under the management of some government departments. However, due to the lack of interest and attention, the condition of the dilapidated building worsened, and some influential people occupied some parts of it. In 2008, however, the building was restored and renovated under the supervision of District Mayor (Zila Nazim) Kanwar Naved Jamil, and the building was officially given the name of Hasrat Mohani District Central Library.
The library is no less than a treat to behold after its renovation in 2008. Along with the renovation of the building, latest editions of various books on a number of subjects, magazines and newspapers have been provided to the library. Various dailies in both Urdu and English are available in the Library, which makes it a hub of students from the area. Several Non-Governmental Organizations and private foundations have donated books to the Library, and presently it has over 40,000 books. Moreover, free internet was provided for the students for a few months after the renovation in 2008, which was unfortunately stopped.
A view of the Library from a distance
The library functioned properly after its restoration for quite some time, but the provision of facilities diminished due to the shortage of funds and the lack of attention of the concerned departments. The upgradation process that should have continued could not be sustained. Hence, the Library is confronted with several problems, like the lack of the relevant books, shortage of furniture and failure in enhancing the facility of internet access. Moreover, the library staff is not being paid on time, which creates a lot of problems not only for the staff but also for the students.
The library remains open from 9 am to 7 pm, and is closed over the weekend. Despite the lack of proper facilities, the environment of the library for study is praiseworthy, which makes it popular amongst students. The library is located in a very crowded locality, as the religious shrines like the Qadamgah Mola Ali, Dargah Abdul Wahab Shah Jeelani and the Shahi Bazar are nearby. Consequently, many parents refrain from sending their daughters to that vicinity as its considered unsafe. Provision of efficient public transport system and the installation of CCTV cameras, in and around the Library, is the need of the hour.
Students busy studying in the Library
Since libraries play a fundamental role in the progress of any society, the government of Sindh should not neglect this historic library. It would help revive the bygone culture of public libraries and book reading.
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