Karachi's Kitab Ghar to close May 31 amid rising costs

Kitab Ghar, Karachi’s citizen-run free public library launched in 2024, is officially closing on May 31 due to financial pressures and rising operational costs.

The indepdent, community-driven space was designed to foster critical thinking, with a focus on cultural and political discourse as well as social justice.

Initiated in October 2024, the project aimed to create a “third space” in the city, where people could study, engage in discussions, host art exhibitions, and organise film screenings.

“We know what Kitab Ghar means to you, whether you are a regular who studies here, a live music enthusiast at our gigs, an organiser who has planned political disruption here, or simply someone who finds comfort in knowing public libraries still thrive in their city.”

They went on to share love for all supporters and enthusiastic: “We exist because you do. So we do not deliver this news lightly”.

The post also reflected on broader structural challenges, pointing to the pressures of capitalism and constraints on public spaces: “It is not a coincidence that public infrastructure around us is faltering—we are besieged by capitalism and state censorship now more than ever. What can we do but resist?”

In conclusion, the organisation encouraged continued support, suggesting that donations could help establish a new Kitab Ghar in the future. “We are eternally grateful to our comrades, patrons, and regulars. Thank you for walking with us in our justaju for something better.”

Regular attendees of the library expressed disappointment over the closure, while emphasising the importance of collective action and small contributions toward sustaining such initiatives.

“What I’ve learned from supporting causes that are mostly neglected/not seen as priorities (like animal rescues) is that enough amplification and enough people donating small amounts (literally whatever your job allows, if at all) does come through sometimes. We can all do our part and hopefully we can make a dent,” one commenter wrote.

Others highlighted the lack of inclusive “third spaces” in Karachi, thanking Kitab Ghar for the community, memories, and opportunities it created, even if only for a short time.