Century-old Rawalpindi Cantonment library remains a key academic centre

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) The Rawalpindi Cantonment Public Library, established in 1891, continues to serve as a major centre of academic and literary activity, Chief Executive Officer Rawalpindi Cantonment board (RCB) Aamir Rashid said.

Talking to APP, Rashid said the library houses around 50,000 books in urdu, English and Persian, making it one of the region’s prominent academic institutions.

He said the library was originally named the Lansdowne Trust Library in honour of the then Viceroy and Governor-General of the subcontinent, Lord Lansdowne. Its foundation stone was laid in 1891 on Mall Road by Sardar Kirpal Singh and Sardar Sujan Singh Rai Bahadur, with an initial collection of about 5,000 books.

Rashid said the institution was established to promote knowledge and literature while providing a peaceful and high-quality study environment for British families residing in the cantonment.

Over time, it evolved into an important resource for the general public as academic activities expanded in the city.

He said the library was initially located on Kashmir Road but was shifted in 1980 to its current building under the Cantonment Board on Mall Road. The facility was formally inaugurated on March 24, 1983, by then-President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.

Rashid noted that at the time of its establishment, it was the only library in the city and served as a central hub for knowledge seekers.

He added that efforts were underway to preserve the historic institution and upgrade it in line with modern requirements so that future generations could continue to benefit from its academic resources.

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