LG approves Rs 3 cr restoration project for Hardayal Library

Seeking to bring back the historic Hardayal Municipal Public Library to its original glory, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today approved a grant of Rs 3 crore for a major restoration project of the city's landmark.
The decision was taken in a meeting convened by the LG wherein representatives from south and east municipal corporations (SDMC and EDMC), secretary and librarian (of Hardayal) and senior officials of the government were present.
"In the meeting, it was decided that Rs 3 cr grant will be given to Hardayal Municipal Public Library to revamp its infrastructure. Besides, Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation (DUHF) will look into the restoration of the library's outer and inner structure.

"A joint inspection will be undertaken immediately to chart out the course of its restoration and for removal of encroachment. Work will also be undertaken to help digitise rare and old books in the library's collection," said a senior official from the LG's office.
One of the oldest public libraries of Delhi, it was set up in 1862 as the Lawrence Institute Library. In 1912, the then Viceroy of India Lord Hardinge escaped a bomb attack while passing by Chandni Chowk on an elephant. The library was shifted to a larger building by the British to commemorate Hardinge's survival and was renamed after him.

After independence, it was named Hardayal Library after freedom fighter Lala Hardayal who had led the bomb attack on Lord Hardinge. The library has over 1,70,000 books in Hindi, English, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit and Prakrit.

The oldest book in the library is 'Relation of Some Years' by Travaile Begvenne, written in 1634. It also has handwritten manuscripts of the Mahabharat and Ramayan translated in Persian and Arabic.
In the meeting, Jung said, "The Hardayal Municipal Public Library is an important signpost of our city's history. We need to ensure that the library is restored to its erstwhile glory."
The official also said that the Lt Governor has also directed all three municipal corporations to resolve issues related to timely payment of salaries and grants and streamline administration for smooth operation.

The official said that the library has been asked to undertake an assessment for optimal utilisation of its assets, staff and finances.
It was also decided that the Lt Governor will review the progress of work on the library after three months.
Of its collection of 1,70,000 books in different languages, 8000 of them are in rare category.
The library shifted to Chandni Chowk in 1916, where it is presently housed and it runs through its 28 branches, spread cross the city, in areas belonging to the three municipal corporations.