British Council Library in Karachi, a bustling hub designed for collaborative learning and community engagement. Located in a secure setting, the library boasts coworking spaces, study rooms, workstations, an extensive book collection, and unrestricted internet access—all thoughtfully curated under one roof. The library’s mission is to cultivate an environment that encourages diverse experiences, sparks meaningful discussions, and acts as a unifying force for people and communities.
Embark on a journey with Graana.com where the pursuit of knowledge converges seamlessly with the spirit of communal interaction.
Contact
| Address | ShahraheIran Road, Block5 Clifton, Karachi |
| Email libraries@britishcouncil.org.pk | Email libraries@britishcouncil.org.pk |
| Visitor opening hours | Monday to Saturday 1000 to 1800, closed on Sundays |
Overview
The library offers a secure space for collaborative learning with coworking areas and study rooms. It provides workstations, an extensive book collection, and unrestricted internet access.
Its goal is to provide enriching experiences, stimulate the generation of ideas and discussions, and foster a vibrant social atmosphere where individuals and communities can come together. This is no doubt one of the top libraries in Karachi.
Location and Accessibility of British Council Library Karachi
The British Council Library in Karachi is strategically positioned within the premises of the British Deputy High Commission, situated at ShahraheIran Road, Block5 Clifton. Prioritising inclusivity, the library ensures wheelchair accessibility. This commitment extends throughout its facilities, encompassing doors, aisles, restrooms, service desks, and study rooms. Ramps are integrated on the premises to facilitate easy access.
Entrance and Parking
Access to the library is facilitated through the main entrance on Shahrah e Iran Road, adjacent to a security check post and opposite Park Lane Hospital. There is no designated public parking area in close proximity, visitors commonly find parking spaces around SZABIST University and at Park Lane Hospital, situated across the road from the primary entrance of the library.
Security Measures
Maintaining a secure environment is paramount. To uphold this commitment, the library has implemented stringent security measures at its entrance. All visitors must undergo mandatory security checks, including presenting identification documents for verification, passing through walkthrough gates, and having their belongings scanned through baggage scanners, both prior to entering and upon entry into the building. These measures are in place to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all library users.
Membership
Prospective members can now conveniently purchase individual or quarterly library memberships online from the comfort of their homes. Upon registration, the library team will promptly contact them, furnishing the essential details for their forthcoming visits.
- Individual Membership Eligibility
- Family Membership Overview
- Quarterly Membership Overview
- Digital Only Membership Overview
Individual Membership Eligibility
Individual membership is open to adults aged 18 and above, offering a range of features and benefits tailored to enhance the library experience.
Features
- Eligible individuals gain access to both Karachi and Lahore libraries during the operational hours of 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
- Enjoy remote access to the British Council Digital Library, providing around the clock availability to a diverse array of learning and entertainment resources.
- Borrow up to 8 books simultaneously from the comprehensive collection of 12,000 books in each library.
- Benefit from an online library account, enabling the reservation of books from the catalogue, monitoring borrowed items, and facilitating remote renewals.
Benefits
- Each library provides complimentary Wi-Fi, borrowable iPads and headphones, as well as printing and photocopying facilities.
- Engage in tailored activities such as book clubs, skills development workshops, and author events, catering to students, professionals, and young people.
- Avail special discounts on event registrations exclusive to library members.
Fee
The annual membership fee stands at PKR 6000.
Registration Process
To register for Individual Membership, click on the provided button to sign up and make the online payment. Following registration, await contact from the library before planning a visit. For the initial visit, bring original ID documents.
Library Tour and Registration
Alternatively, individuals can book a free tour of the Karachi or Lahore library. Post-tour, the library team will assist in completing a brief registration form and request ID documents along with the membership fee.
Individual Library Tour Booking
Additionally, interested individuals can book an individual tour of the Karachi library for a personalised introduction to the facilities.
Family Membership Overview
Family membership caters to the inclusion of 2 adults (parents/guardians) and 4 children within the age range of 5 to 17, presenting a comprehensive set of features and advantages for an enriching library experience.
Features
- Encompasses access to both the Karachi and Lahore libraries, operational from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
- Allows remote entry to the British Council Digital Library, granting continuous access to a diverse array of educational and entertainment resources.
- Permits borrowing of up to 8 books per adult and 4 books per child simultaneously from the extensive collection of 12,000 books in each library.
- Provides access to an online library account for reserving books, monitoring borrowed items, and facilitating remote renewals.
Benefits
- Each library offers complimentary Wi-Fi, borrowable iPads, and headphones, along with onsite printing and photocopying facilities.
- Engage in a vibrant array of activities tailored for children and families, including storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, arts and crafts, and more.
- Members enjoy exclusive discounts when registering for various library events.
Fee
The annual membership fee for Family Membership is set at PKR 15,000.
Registration Process
To sign up for Family Membership, individuals can book a free tour of either the Karachi or Lahore library by selecting the appropriate option below. Following the tour, the library team will assist in completing a concise registration form and collect ID documents along with the membership fee.
Family Library Tour Booking
For a personalised introduction to the facilities, interested individuals can also book a family tour of the Karachi library.
Quarterly Membership Overview
Quarterly membership is available for adults aged 18 and above, presenting a flexible option for those seeking short term access to the library’s resources.
Features
- Allows access to both the Karachi and Lahore libraries during their operating hours from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
- Provides remote entry to the British Council Digital Library, ensuring continuous availability of numerous educational and entertainment resources.
Benefits
- Each library offers complimentary Wi-Fi, iPads, and headphones for onsite borrowing and use, in addition to printing and photocopying facilities.
- Partake in specially curated activities designed for students, professionals, and young individuals, such as book clubs, skills development workshops, and author events.
- Members enjoy exclusive discounts when registering for various library events.
Fee
The quarterly membership fee is set at PKR 3,600, offering a cost effective option for short term access.
Registration Process
To sign up for Quarterly Membership, individuals can click on the provided button to complete the online payment. After registration, await contact from the library before planning a visit. Original ID documents are required for the first visit.
Library Tour and Registration
Alternatively, individuals can book a free tour of either the Karachi or Lahore library. Post-tour, the library team will assist in completing a concise registration form and collect ID documents along with the membership fee.
Individual Library Tour Booking
Interested individuals also have the option to book an individual tour of the Karachi library for a personalised introduction to the facilities.
Digital Only Membership Overview
Digital Only Membership is available to adults aged 18 and above, residing anywhere in Pakistan, offering exclusive access to an extensive array of digital resources.
Features
- Enjoy 24/7 access to the Digital Library from any location within Pakistan through a dedicated web and mobile app.
- Organise preferred resources in a collection, bookmark articles and study materials, or save content from select resources for offline reading.
- Access an online library account to update personal information and renew membership remotely.
Benefits
- Download award-winning ebooks, audiobooks, and popular international magazines and publications.
- Gain access to a vast collection of academic and business ebooks, journals, digital graphic novels, and software training and tutorials.
- Stream concerts, music, and theatre productions directly from the UK on desktops, laptops, or mobile devices.
Fee
The annual membership fee for Digital Only Membership is PKR 3,500.
Registration Process
To sign up for Digital Membership, individuals need to complete an online registration form. Upon form submission, guidelines for payment will be provided via online bank transfer or ATM. Online payment with a debit/credit card is also available, with the note that international transactions need to be enabled on the card for successful processing. The British Council does not impose additional charges on card payments, but bank charges may apply.
Alternative Payment Methods
Members can also opt to pay via online bank transfer, ATM deposit, or mobile payments (Easypaisa, JazzCash, Upaisa, and more).
Library Tour and Registration
Additionally, individuals can book a free tour of either the Karachi or Lahore library through the provided links. Following the tour, the library team will assist in completing a brief registration form and collect ID documents along with the membership fee.
Digital Library Overview
Access an ever-expanding collection of over 80,000 resources seamlessly with an annual subscription, transforming your phone or laptop into a gateway for premium learning and entertainment content through the Digital Library.
Key Features
Gain unlimited access to a diverse range of content, including books, comics, music, newspapers, magazines, movies, theatre productions, academic journals, research publications, and professional training, all available for an affordable annual fee of PKR 3500.
Ebooks and Audiobooks
Immerse yourself in thousands of bestselling fiction and nonfiction titles, with the flexibility to read or listen at your convenience, anytime and anywhere.
Concerts and Music
Stream a vast collection of full length concerts and music films, featuring the best new music from the UK through Selector Radio.
Comics and Graphic Novels
Explore over 2000 digital versions of top-rated comics and graphic novels suitable for all age groups.
Film and TV
Enjoy thousands of critically acclaimed movies and TV shows, along with an exclusive selection of children’s movies, storytelling, and rhymes.
Magazines
Delve into hundreds of popular international publications covering diverse areas of interest, including technology, business, politics, fashion, and more.
Professional Training
Prepare for career opportunities with access to hundreds of video tutorials and training courses covering a wide range of software applications and professional development topics.
Digital Library App by MyLOFT
Access your favourite content on the go through the Digital Library app powered by MyLOFT. Whether on your PC, laptop, or iOS and Android devices, the app provides a seamless digital library experience.
Personalised Content Experience
Organise your preferred resources and reading materials into collections, bookmark and tag articles, and save content from selected resources for offline use, creating a personalised and efficient learning experience.
Activation and Support
Upon registration for the Digital Library, you will receive two emails to activate your subscription and another to set up your access to MyLOFT. For any assistance, reach out to digitallibrary@britishcouncil.org, and the support team will be pleased to help.
FAQs on British Library Karachi
Following are a few FAQs regarding British Council Library Karachi:
1. What is the eligibility criterion for Digital Only Membership?
Digital Only Membership to the British Council Library Karachi is available for adults aged 18 and above residing anywhere in Pakistan. It provides exclusive access to a diverse range of digital resources.
2. What does the Digital Library membership offer?
Digital Library membership grants subscribers 24/7 access to a vast collection of resources, including ebooks, audiobooks, music, newspapers, magazines, movies, theatre productions, academic journals, research publications, and professional training, all for an annual fee of PKR 3500.
3. How can I access the Digital Library content on different devices?
The Digital Library app by MyLOFT offers a seamless experience, allowing users to log in to the MyLOFT web portal on PCs or laptops. Additionally, the app can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices, providing access to digital resources anytime, anywhere.
4. Is there a personalised content organisation feature in the Digital Library?
Yes, subscribers can personalise their content experience by organising preferred resources in collections, bookmarking and tagging articles, and saving content from select resources for offline use.
5. How do I get support if I encounter issues with the Digital Library?
If you need support or assistance, you can reach out to the Digital Library team at digitallibrary@britishcouncil.org. They will be pleased to help address any concerns or queries you may have.
This was all about British Council Library Karachi. For more details visit Graana blog.
