Home to rarities like Shahnama, Punch comics: 181-year-old People’s Free Reading Room and Library now thrives as study hall

What Happened

People's Free Reading Room and Library in South Mumbai's Dhobi Talao, established in 1845, now primarily serves as a quiet study space for students using personal materials. The institution's rare collection, including French and Persian editions of Shahnama and illustrated Punch comics, remains largely unused. Librarian Gulshan Cooper notes patrons bring their own books rather than accessing the library's heritage collection.

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