Jaffna Public Library

National Reading Month
- October 2025.
"Let's Read for Revival"

Brief History

The Jaffna Public Library, a cornerstone of Tamil cultural heritage in Sri Lanka, was officially placed under the administration of the Jaffna Town Development Board on 1 January 1935.

Prior to this, the library began as a modest initiative in August 1934, housed in a small rented room on Hospital Road, Jaffna, with a collection of 844 books and approximately 30 newspapers and magazines. As the collection expanded, necessitating more space, the library was relocated in January 1935 to a rented building on Main Street, Jaffna.

Total Number of Books

0 +

Lending Section

0 +

India Corner

0 +

Children Section

0 +

Acquisition Section

0 +

Special Collection Section

0 +

Reference Section

0 +

Youth Corner

0 +

Total Books

Services Offered by the Jaffna Public Library

The Jaffna Public Library offers a range of services to support visually impaired individuals, ensuring equitable access to information and resources

Reference Books Section

A dedicated section houses reference materials, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, and specialized texts, to support in-depth research and study.

Mobile Library Service

To extend its reach, the library operates a mobile service that brings books and resources to various communities, making information accessible to those unable to visit the main branch

Lending Section for Members

Registered members have the privilege to borrow books and other materials, fostering a culture of reading and learning within the community

Gender-Specific Reading Sections

The library maintains separate reading areas for men and women, ensuring a comfortable and respectful environment for all visitors.

Archives Section

A library archive section houses a library’s historical or special collections, differing from the main circulating collection. It typically contains unique, original materials like manuscripts, photographs, and documents, often in fragile or non-traditional formats, requiring specialized handling and preservation.

Self-Service with OPAC

The Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) enables users to independently search for and locate library resources, enhancing the efficiency of their visits.

Services for Visually Impaired Users

Braille and Audio Books
The library provides access to Braille books and audio materials, catering to the needs of visually impaired patrons. These resources support literacy and learning, enabling users to engage with a wide array of topics

Documentation Section Services

The Documentation Section of the Jaffna Public Library offers a rich repository of historical and governmental resources. Visitors can peruse a diverse collection of old newspapers, magazines, government publications, and periodicals, providing invaluable insights into past events, policies, and cultural developments since 1981.