Lahore's Quaid-e-Azam Library launches major digitisation project

A major project to digitise the historic Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore has been launched to bring it in line with modern requirements. Under the plan, the library aims to make the majority of its academic and research resources available online over the next two to three years. In addition, the “Jinnah Corner” in the library has been completed and is expected to be inaugurated after Eidul Fitr.

Director General of Punjab Libraries, Kashif Manzoor, told reporters that the Quaid-e-Azam Library is not only one of Lahore’s but also one of the country’s key reference and research libraries. The library currently houses approximately 150,000 books and provides access to millions of online research resources.

Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore PHOTO: EXPRESS

He said the ongoing digitisation project involves gradually converting the library’s collection into digital form so that researchers and students anywhere in the world can benefit from its knowledge resources.

The library’s building dates back to the mid-19th century and was initially used as a gymkhana. Later, the gymkhana was moved to Zafar Ali Road, and the building came under the use of the Civil Services Academy. During martial law, military offices were also housed there. In 1984, it was officially converted into a library and opened to the public.

According to Kashif Manzoor, naming the library after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was meant to highlight the connection between leadership and knowledge. “Just as Quaid-e-Azam led the nation, this library fosters leadership across various fields through knowledge,” he said.

Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore PHOTO: EXPRESS

The library holds rare academic collections, including early 19th-century publications from the subcontinent. In addition, the Punjab Public Library preserves ancient manuscripts, historical journals, and other important documents. The Punjab Archives has also scanned and archived millions of historical records from the Mughal, Sikh, British, and post-independence periods.

Read: Tech fails to break mandi monopoly

Kashif Manzoor noted that the Quaid-e-Azam Library primarily functions as a reference and research library, providing encyclopedias and other scholarly materials specifically for researchers. However, a large number of students preparing for competitive exams such as CSS and PMS also visit to benefit from the academic environment.

He added that a “Lincoln Corner” has been established in the library with support from the US government, where more than seventy people can study and participate in research activities simultaneously. During a recent visit, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly also proposed setting up a “China Corner” in the library.

Under the Punjab government’s vision, an e-library project is also underway to provide the public and students with access to modern academic resources. An initial budget of one billion rupees has been allocated, with 478 million rupees approved under PC-1, while administrative approval is in process. The project plans to provide digital content either free or at minimal cost through partnerships with international publishers and the Higher Education Commission.

Quaid-e-Azam Library in Lahore PHOTO: EXPRESS

Multiple projects are also ongoing to improve other libraries across Punjab. Renovation of the Bahawalpur Central Library is in progress for 156 million rupees, expected to be completed by June this year. Two new libraries in Lahore are already operational, while new libraries are also being established in Kasur, Layyah, Sayedpur, Muzaffargarh, Khuzdar, Attock, Pakpattan, and Sargodha.

Manzoor noted that due to the wooden framing of the historic Quaid-e-Azam Library building, gas supply is not feasible, but future plans may include café-style facilities for readers.

Students using the library said its book collection provides them with reliable and authentic information. CSS aspirant Ghulam Murtaza said that while much material is available online, its accuracy is often questionable, whereas the books offer verified references.

Another student, Muhammad Raza, noted that although information can be accessed quickly on mobile devices or laptops, reading books provides mental calm and focus that online study cannot.

Student Saba Ahmed added that many government documents, records, and rare books are still not available online, making the library an important and reliable source of information for research and educational purposes.