NAROWAL: The 130-year-old Iqbal Library in Sialkot has been reopened after completion of a Rs96m renovation project. It was closed for renovation in April.
The project has introduced several modern facilities while preserving the historic character of the library. A 16kW solar power system with battery back-up has been installed while air-conditioning has been provided in the male and female reading rooms and the general visitors’ area. The upgraded facility can now accommodate around 40 to 50 visitors at a time in a comfortable environment.
The old Municipal Library was renamed Iqbal Library and shifted from the Sialkot Fort to Paris Road in December 1961. It has a collection of 35,000 books, including a number of rare and valuable old volumes. As part of the renovation, 38 new bookshelves have been installed.
“The entire building has been given a new look. A roof treatment has been carried out, the old ceiling has been removed and a new reception counter and wooden doors have been installed,” says Sialkot Deputy Commissioner Awais Mushtaq.
The library has 12 latest computer systems, high-speed internet and comfortable revolving chairs for the readers. The facilities would provide readers with access to digital and online resources in addition to the library’s traditional collection.
“The library’s outdoor area has also been renovated and the lawn and fountain have been restored, new pavement has been laid and benches installed. Victorian-style lights have been placed on the facade to enhance the appearance of the historic building,” says the officer while providing details.
Dr Shamaila, who visited the library after a gap of six months, says she was pleasantly surprised by the transformation.
“I was amazed to see the state-of-the-art facilities alongside the collection of old books. The environment is much more comfortable now for the readers,” she says while appreciating particularly the addition of computers and high-speed internet facility. She adds that the facility would enable the visitors to access online resources in addition to printed books.
Mahmood, a lawyer who was reading newspapers in the conference room, says he was pleased to find a comfortable place where the readers could read newspapers and spend time studying.
The renovated library was inaugurated on Saturday by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Punjab Minister for Labour and Manpower Muhammad Manshaullah Butt.
Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2026
