Libraries are the thin red line between civilisation and barbarism

— Neil Gaiman

Generations of readers in a family tree pass down wisdom to successive generations. On entering a public library with a magical environment, all you need is imagination. There is a book for everyone to foster conversations with strangers in the libraries.

A public library is a community space. Public libraries reinvent themselves as safety nets; third places away from work and home; and conversation stations for freedom of expression. They are supported by governments.

A lot of social infrastructure in a healthy society depends on public libraries. They are there for citizens to confront differences, have conversations and self-education. All differences are better than an ignorant indifference.

In the age of growing social media where misinformation is rife, public libraries can be the citizens’ own space.

Restoring public libraries can help improve the society by reviving intellectual discourse in the heart of Lahore. When Pak Tea House was restored in 2012, the Lahoris welcomed it and many wanted to visit the place on account of its historic importance. It had been established before the Partition and for decades was central to the city’s artistic and political life.

There has been no creative planning and little financial or other support for existing libraries or for building new ones. In an article in 2013, Maqsood Ahmed Lak, the then director general of Public Libraries stated: “Rs 20 million had been allocated to rebuild parts of the Punjab Archival Library building, built in the 1850s, at the Civil Secretariat.”

The knowledge and accurate information provided by libraries counter misinformation, political bias, and propaganda. Libraries can also provide materials supporting tolerance.

The UNESCO has declared Lahore a City of Literature, apparently on account of the consistent organisation of the Lahore Literary Festival.

Some of the better known pre-partition public libraries in Lahore are: the Government Punjab Public Library (1884); the Punjab Archival Library Building (1850); the Quaid-i-Azam Library (1861); the Dyal Singh Trust Library (1908); and the Government Model Town Library, Lahore (1921). The Dar-us-Salam Library was established in 1966 and the Children Complex Library in 1990. It is important to upgrade the old libraries.

Restoration of libraries can begin with the digitalisation of archives. Reading rooms and the infrastructure can be improved next. Architects can be engaged to provide a pleasant ambience while preserving the history.

Restored public libraries can promote companionship among citizens and encourage building up of social capital. Successive governments have been neglecting their duty towards the libraries which need funds for archiving rare books and preserving their collections as our cultural and literary heritage.

It is unfortunate that the Ferozsons bookstore, established in 1800, was burnt down in a mysterious fire in 2012, and a huge collection of rare books was lost.

Many bookstores in Lahore are quite sustainable and look like mini-libraries. These include Readings, Variety Books, Liberty Books and The Last Word Bookshop.

Then there are private libraries like Chughtai’s, Kitab Ghar and the British Council Library.

The British Council Library can be a model for public libraries in Lahore. The government can take a leaf from the book of Singaporean transformation of public libraries to renovate and revamp five or six public libraries and create some new ones for the 11 million citizens of Lahore. This can also bring together aspiring writers and book clubs and help the younger generation develop cultural empathy and acceptance with different perspectives. Such a project will help combat misinformation. Given easy access to authentic information more readers will be able to think for themselves and be less prejudiced and more informed. Misinformation, after all, can be more dangerous than plain ignorance.

As of now, Lahore Literary Festival and Lahore International Book Fair are the only two events where one can see readers, poets, journalists, writers, thinkers and the academia come together for a dialogue and book conversations. Some of the new bookstores, including The Last Word are providing for interactive sessions, book launches, open mics, guest lectures and documentary screenings. Also, people can sometimes read books there even if they are not always buy those.

Punjab Archival Library

Building

During a visit to the Punjab Archival Library Building, I was mesmerised by its architecture. There is so much history to learn about. It is also where Anarkali’s Tomb is located.

Syeda Shahim Asghar, the deputy director, shared her experience of what it is like to be working there.

“The Archives are not a library [per se]. This is a government department and not accessible to the public. Access is only granted to researchers with prior permission. We deal with rare manuscripts, letters, files from partition and pre-partition times, gazettes, newspapers, coins and stamps. This is one of the biggest archives in the Asia Region with a conservation laboratory. It’s the custodian of some very valuable information. The digitalisation and preservation process is still under way. My advice would be to encourage the youth to explore it. We need one of those public relations campaigns. Popular demand does result in new policies. Policies can then be made for public libraries and they can be encouraged to visit.”

Government Model Town Library

I grew up in Model Town Society. However, I never had a chance to visit the library until recently. From the outside the building looks like an abandoned place. On the inside, however, selves upon shelves full of books are very welcoming. So is the chief librarian.

Malik Eid Muhammad, head of the library, says: “Community engagement increases when the number of library members is high. People can revive the culture of public libraries. Financially, we are quite constrained. We got Rs 3 million from the government recently. The Library charges Rs 4,500 a year from a member. Currently, we have 17,000 members. Visitors are allowed access to the reading room without membership. But to borrow a book or avail other exclusive services, you need to be a member. We have the latest issues of popular magazines and keep adding to our collection of books. This is a government-run library.

“We plan to provide more ‘silent’ rooms for researchers as well as a room for intellectual dialogue. We do have theme-based days and events for children and the youth.

The Punjab Public Library was established in 1884. The library began operations in the Wazir Khan baradari, an imperial building built by Nawab Wazir Khan, the governor of Lahore, during Emperor Shahjehan’s reign.

“Libraries helped me become the person I am today. For public libraries to grow, we need parents and teachers of today’s children to cooperate with us. They can contribute ideas for seminars, workshops and lecture series for us to organise.

“I believe in the digital age, digitalisation and e-library would help us grow further. The funds at our disposal are limited. Not all our members can access the database reserved for researchers.

“As far as the information-misinformation battle is concerned, critical thinking skills will determine the outcome. Social reforms and better public policies require collective support. People like you should raise awareness about these matters.

“We realise that we lack a social media presence – I talk about this library. Public relations for government-based libraries are an issue. Libraries provide a safe place in the communities… it’s just that the infrastructure needs to be upgraded. We can reclaim the narrative. The Model Town Society Committee head has helped us bridge the gap. They favour the roles of libraries.”

Quaid-i-Azam Library

As I walked into the library, situated at Bagh-i-Jinnah, I found it impressive. The librarians were friendly and made my tour of the library exciting and informative. The archives and research resources are wonderful. A number of students and researchers were sitting in the main hall studying for their examinations. Most of them were preparing for the CSS examinations. I was given a tour of the library by Tahir Mahmood, who’s been in charge for 22 years.

The history of the library dates back to the mid 19th Century. During the British rule the building was known as Old Gymkhana. The building was frequently used as an assembly room for public meetings, staging theatric and musical performances. The library currently has a capacity for 1,000 readers and - after the construction of two basements - storage space for more than 300,000 volumes.

Abdul Raheem, the chief librarian, said, “This is not a public library. It is a misconception. We only have a research and study centre. To seek a membership here, you have to have 14 years of education. This is a mandatory requirement. There is no lending or borrowing of books. We have research journals and a lot of university students and CSS candidates frequent our facilities. We also have archives of books, entertainment DVDs, vinyl, CDs, cassettes, photographs and cameras. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) helped us scan and archive to digitalise our manuscripts. We have a very transparent fund allocation system. Every day, we get 600-700 visitors. Policies and reforms can help the interest of the public starting from schools, and colleges.”

Government Punjab Public Library

I had long looked forward to visiting this library because I had heard a lot about it. As soon as I entered the building on a sunny day, I was welcomed by the gatekeeper and a guard. Restoration work was going on at one side. Some people were leaving their study tables on the lawn. I could watch the readers brimming with curiosity.

The library was established in 1884. It started its operations in the Wazir Khan baradari, an imperial building built by Nawab Wazir Khan, the governor of Lahore, during Emperor Shahjehan’s reign. It was to be a public library and a reading room.

According to official information, “The library has a collection of books in all fields of knowledge in English, Urdu, Persian, Arabic and Punjabi. Its collection of about 375,000 volumes includes books, bound volumes of back numbers of magazines/ newspapers, reports, old gazettes of the Punjab, Pakistan and British India, and more than 1,500 manuscripts. The Library receives 170 magazines, 33 journals and 12 dailies.”

Syed Aqeel Ahmed, a librarian, said: “I have been working here since 2007. This is my passion. We welcome everybody from senior citizens to children and researchers to laymen. Members from all socio-economic classes are entertained. There is no discrimination. Our annual budget is Rs 80 million. Our archives and digital spaces are available to the students in separate reading rooms. Free Wi-Fi services are available in the computer labs. We try our best to promote our activities.”

Dyal Singh Trust Library

When I entered Dyal Singh Trust Library, I was informed that I had to get permission from the federal government. That was a hurdle and I wasn’t given a tour of the library due to the permission issue.

The library is located in Gowalmandi area and is one of the most renowned libraries in Lahore. According to the official website, it was established at the residence of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia in the pursuance of his will. In 1928, the library was shifted to its current location, though it had to be closed down between 1947 and 1964 due to the migration of its trustees. In 1964, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) took over administrative control of Library and opened its gate to the public.

It has a collection of about 182,673 books, manuscripts and newspapers. Around 1,500 to 2,000 books are added to its collection on an annual basis. Some of the facilities it offers its readers include a newspaper reading section, a children’s section, a separate reading room for women, photocopy services, computer stations and internet facilities. Membership is open to all. Currently there are 10,098 registered members.

Dar-Us-Salam Library

Visiting the library was a great experience. Muhammad Taj, a legend among librarians, welcomed me. He showed me reports, letters, and pamphlets from various eras.

Taj sahib, the chief librarian, said: “I have worked in Quaid-i-Azam Library and Dyal Singh Trust Library. I have received awards for my services too. I have seen the rise and fall of many governments in the seven decades of my life. I was one of the first librarians to introduce computers in the ’80s for digitalisation work.

“Our library arranges several events, from seminars to lectures. We have an old collection of Arabic texts along with Quranic references… Our collection is quite diverse. However, this is a private library, not funded by the government. It may look like one but we do not get any support from the government. In 2010, the government provided a Rs 0.4 million grant. I also got some help from Javed Mahmood the former chief secretary, and Inamul Haq.

“We have reading rooms for both men and women and a separate section for women who need their own space.”

Children Library Complex

Curious children welcomed me at the entrance of the building. The Children Library Complex was established in 1988 with the aim of providing educational, recreational, and sports facilities to children of age 4-14 years. To date, it has facilitated more than 31,000 members. 200 to 250 children visit the library daily.

Khadija Nisar, the librarian, said: “Content for children is limited… we try to keep introducing new books and classics to children and their parents. Our facilities are tailored for parent-children relationships. You can spend the day here and get a membership that is tailored to the art of storytelling on different days to foster a community. We also offer archery lessons.

“Our digital section has motion sensory books too, for kids to develop their skills of senses. Our membership costs only Rs 400 a year. It is about giving a safe environment for children and to promote curiosity. At our library, you do not get to borrow books. You visit and read here so that the kids interact with one another and develop social skills. It is the responsibility of the schools and parents to introduce children to libraries as early as possible.”

Public libraries can promote public relationships and acceptance of different perspectives and tolerance as people talk about issues and topics that interest them.

This can result in a more tolerant society.

Intellectual discourse is important even for those who think that there is no need to go to the libraries and those who want to limit access to them.

There has been a decline in the attention spans and reading habits. Civility can be brought back in baby steps if libraries are shown in a new light.

When the Covid-19 pandemic took over, a great reset happened all over the world. People missed the essence of belonging in the same space. Work from home did thrive but many people wanted to go back to their offices to be around one another. There is no getting around the fact that man is a social animal and strives for social interactions. Spaces like public libraries can bring people together. Those lacking physical access can still use the libraries to research online.

The article was completed under the mentorship and editorial guidance of Frank Folwell (International Centre for Journalism) and Momina Mindeel (Media Matters for Democracy) for the Actions for Countering Disinformation and Information Value-System Empowerment (ACDIVE) project.

The writer is affiliated with the Storytelling Lab of the Columbia University School of Arts. She is a member of Columbia University’s Seminar on Innovation and TED. She can be reached at  mariamskchannel@gmail.com