Libraries Around The World - British Council, New Delhi

British Council is located on K.G. Marg , New Delhi. It's a bit in the corner sorts, and maybe if you blink for too long, you might just miss it. ;) It was designed by Indian architect Charles Correa and opened in 1993. It is a visual delight, from the inside as well as the outside, with the outdoors being done up in a refreshing sandstone colour with bold black and white design.
The Library stocks only British and Indian Authors, so if you just want a book by any other author, chances are you might not find it! It's indoors was recently re-furnished, with the new look, wee bit more comfortable than the older one! It's more spacious, for starters. There's a CCD outlet inside, the work-stations are aplenty, the new upholstery, classification, all deserve 5 stars.
The library, is a haven for kids. It's like a magic land. You have bean bags, stuff toys, computer games, bright carpets, and ofcourse, useful books. The books are placed in low-lying shelves, so that it is easy for the kids to access all the books.
The books available, cover various areas of interest, from fiction, to chick-lit, to fitness, to English literature, Shakespearean plays, computer books, cookery, magazines. You name it, they have it. I am never ever disappointed when I go there. If a certain book is not there,you can request the library to stock it, and they do it. Really. You can issue DVDs, kids educational CDs too.
Technology wise, the BCL is at par with NASA. Jokes apart, the library has a fully functional automated issue-return system, with attendants, to help you out. There are approx. 20 computers, Internet enabled, for your personal use. The online catalogue, is, I must admit, a blessing. With crystal clear codes for everything, it's a delight to use it.
BCL also hols various events, like Summer programmes for kids, English Learning classes, UK Education Information, Human Rights discussion, Art, Media, Competitions. All in all, it's buzzing all the time.
There is a canteen too, but I really didn't warm upto it. The standards should be raised, to the BCL level.
Last but not the least, the ambiance is top-class. With pristine clear water, sparkling washrooms, comfortable air-conditioning, it's surely a boon in the chaotic K.G. Marg.


For Further Enquiry: mdelhi.enquiry@in.britishcouncil.org


Rating, of the Library:
4 Bookmarks
(Rating is on a scale of 5)