SPS Library Srinagar: A Beacon of Learning in the Heart of the City

Located opposite the beautiful Pratap Park on M.A. Road, Sri Pratap Singh (SPS) Library Srinagar stands today as one of the most significant public libraries in Jammu and Kashmir. The library, which traces its origins to the late 19th century. It has long been a symbol of learning and cultural preservation in the Valley. With the opening of its modern building in 2018, SPS Library entered a new phase, blending its historic legacy with contemporary infrastructure and facilities.

The current library building is a landmark in itself — spacious, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of a growing reader community. It offers large reading halls, well-arranged stack areas, a dedicated children’s section, senior citizens section and a welcoming ambience that encourages focused study. The building’s architectural design blends functionality with aesthetic simplicity, reflecting both progress and respect for tradition. Every day, the reading halls are filled with students preparing for competitive exams, researchers consulting reference materials, and general readers exploring new ideas. The calm environment, central location, and organised sections make the library a favourite destination for knowledge seekers across Srinagar and beyond.

SPS Library holds an invaluable collection of books, periodicals/magazines, and reference materials inter-alia in English, Urdu, Persian, and Kashmiri. Many of its holdings date back decades, offering insights into the region’s intellectual, cultural, and administrative history. This rich heritage continues to attract scholars, writers, and historians who find in the library not only information but also inspiration. The library’s role in nurturing reading culture has remained consistent through generations. It has served as a silent companion to thousands of learners who found in its quiet halls a space for growth, discipline, and reflection.

The library’s new infrastructure has significantly enhanced user comfort and accessibility. With well-maintained interiors, a peaceful environment, and a systematic arrangement of resources, the SPS Library provides a model of how public libraries can balance tradition and modernity. Facilities such as reading spaces for different user groups, circulation services, and reference assistance are efficiently managed by trained library staff. The library also provides Wi-Fi access for internal operations and staff use, ensuring that daily management and cataloguing processes are well supported.

As libraries evolve in the digital age, SPS Library has the potential to further enrich its services through the introduction of digital and online resources. Integrating computer terminals for online reference, barcoded circulation systems, and Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) could enhance accessibility and streamline library services, complementing its physical collections while preserving its traditional essence. The institution’s vision aligns with the broader trend of modernisation and capacity-building seen across public libraries in India.

Beyond a reading space, SPS Library has the potential to serve as a community and cultural hub. Its central location makes it ideal for hosting workshops, training programmes, and literary gatherings that promote lifelong learning. Activities such as book exhibitions, author interactions, and public lectures can further strengthen the connection between the library and the citizens it serves. Like libraries worldwide, SPS Library can evolve into a space facilitating cultural exchange, digital literacy, and community dialogue — a modern model built on a strong local foundation.

The Department of Libraries and Research, J&K, has played a crucial role in strengthening the library network across the Union Territory. With continued support and professional dedication, SPS Library is poised to expand its reach, upgrade facilities, and introduce technology-driven services. Such initiatives would cater effectively to students, researchers, and general readers alike.

PS:

The SPS Library Srinagar remains much more than a building filled with books — it is a living institution that continues to nurture intellectual curiosity and public learning in the heart of the city. Its legacy, strengthened by the modern infrastructure inaugurated in 2018, reflects a story of resilience, renewal, and relevance.

As someone who has seen its day-to-day rhythm — from the quiet determination of students to the commitment of staff — I can say with conviction that the SPS Library stands as a beacon of knowledge and community service in Jammu and Kashmir. With sustained support and a forward-looking vision, it will continue to inspire generations of readers and learners for years to come.

Jan Mohammad Mala, Librarian, Department of Libraries & Research