With the aim of providing dedicated reading spaces for citizens, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to open six new libraries across the city by the end of this year. At present, the civic body manages a network of 110 functional libraries spread across ten zones.
The existing infrastructure includes 8 e-libraries, 29 traditional libraries, and 73 dedicated reading rooms. According to the NMC Library Department, these centres operate from 8 am to 8 pm, offering accessible study spaces for students and readers.
Work on key projects such as the Swami Vivekanand e-library and the Babu Haridas Awale e-library at Untkhana is nearing completion and is slated for inauguration alongside the Swami Vivekanand facility. “Across Maharashtra, NMC is the sole municipal corporation that maintains an independent Library Department,” stated Burade.
Libraries Under Construction
| Library Name | Area |
| Muslim Library | Mominpura |
| Shahid Shankar Mahala | Zenda Chowk, Mahal |
| Lal Shala e-library | Bhuteshwar Nagar |
| Renuka e-library | Mhalgi Nagar |
| Thakkar Gram e-library | Thakkar Gram |
| Babu Haridas Awale e-library | Untkhana |
On an average, nearly 150 students who utilise NMC libraries qualify for government jobs annually. Beyond civil services, students have successfully cracked high-stakes exams like JEE, NEET and CA using these resources, he claimed.
Citizen-centric services
Assistant Librarian Manjushree Kanhere noted the deep dedication of the visitors. “Many students spend over eight hours here daily, bringing their lunch boxes to ensure they don’t lose study time.”
While the book count remains largely stable—1,21,807 in 2023, 1,22,437 in 2024 and 1,22,010 in 2025—the department continues to offer lifetime benefits. Citizens can avail themselves of book rental services for a nominal one-time fee of Rs 510, granting them access to the collection for the rest of their lives.
Staff Shortage and Funding Concerns
The NMC’s Library Department is facing a severe shortage of manpower. An RTI query filed by activist Abhay Kolarkar revealed that the department’s administrative structure is struggling with a vacancy rate of nearly 88 per cent.
Out of a total of 141 sanctioned positions, only 17 are currently filled, leaving 124 seats vacant. The most severe shortage is at the ground level. Out of 99 sanctioned posts for watchman-cum-peon, only 10 are active, leaving 89 positions vacant.
Similarly, out of 15, there are 15 vacant spots for peons and 3 for watchmen out of 3, further highlighting the staffing crisis.
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