Jaffna Public Library image

Jaffna Public Library

Public library

One of the Best Places To Visits in Gurunagar


Address

M266+VP2) Clock Tower Road, South, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Contact

+94 212 226 028

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (502 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Friday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Saturday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday: 8:30 am to 6 pm
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: library (29) Jaffna (25) Library (13) books (12) visit (9) Asia (8) building (6) history (6) largest (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Kasun Fernando (. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the most discussed location in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Was closed/not allowed to enter into the library when we visited around 11am. A the security personnel was friendly and allowed to stroll around the premises outside the library. Very nice atmosphere with a nice greenery vibe with the garden and the look of the library building. Located close by the Jaffna Fort and easy to spot on. Well maintained as seen from the outside. Would have been nice if could have visited the library as well.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Varunan S. 1 year ago on Google
    Coming from Toronto, Canada I’ve always wanted to see this amazing library! I was very happy to see it first hand! The gentlemen working as security was very polite and gave us knowledge onto the history of the Jaffna Library. Very happy it is existing today and will definitely come back!!! Thank you!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dilon F. 6 months ago on Google
    The Jaffna Library, a cultural treasure with a history dating back to its original construction in 1933, stands as an enduring symbol of northern heritage. Following meticulous restoration, its classical architecture exudes timeless grandeur. Tragically, the library's history is marred by a devastating fire in 1981. At that time, it housed a remarkable collection of nearly 100,000 books and manuscripts, making it one of Asia's largest libraries. These invaluable texts, contributed by renowned scholars and professionals, encapsulated the intellectual wealth and cultural heritage of the northern peninsula. However, the Jaffna Library has transcended this tragic episode to emerge as a resilient symbol of cultural resurgence. While its collection today may not rival its former glory, the library continues to command the same timeless dignity it has held for generations of Jaffna's people and beyond. The library welcomes visitors in the early evening until its closure at 6 PM. A mark of respect to the culture it represents, visitors are required to remove their footwear before entering. While some sections remain inaccessible, the library's public areas and its beautifully adorned garden invite exploration. In essence, the Jaffna Library is more than a physical structure; it is a custodian of heritage, knowledge, and the unyielding spirit of resilience. A visit to this iconic institution is an opportunity to connect with the rich history and unwavering character of Jaffna and to pay homage to the enduring dignity of the Jaffna Library.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sithara S. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the most notable landmarks in Jaffna city. You cannot go inside the library if you are not a member. However, you can still admire the prestigious look of the building from outside.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Gihan S. 3 years ago on Google
    This is the Massive Public Library in Jaffna and the Library has a long history. It started a local Jaffna resident and he opened his house to the public in 1933. 1981 civil conflict the entire library was destroyed in a fire and by that time its one of the biggest library in Asia. The library was rebuilt and reopened in 2003 during a ceasefire.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niruththaanjali S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Jaffna Public Library is located around 2km from Jaffna town. It is is one of the city’s major attractions. This has long been a symbol of northern heritage emphasized by its classical architecture. It was designed and built in 1933 by engineer Vaithiyalingam. This library was once one of the largest in Asia, having contained over 97,000 books and manuscripts back in the early 80s. The library also endured a horrific burning in 1981. This library is still an architecturally significant structure, surrounded by gardens. The library is open every day, but visiting hours are only on weekdays from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. No entrance fees is required to visit this library. Anyone can visit this library. Very nice place to visit and I would love to recommend this library.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sharmilan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Jaffna Public Library is located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. It is one of Jaffna's most notable landmarks, and is run by the Jaffna Municipal Council. The library was built in 1933 and burnt in 1981. During the early 1980s, it was one of the biggest libraries in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts. Beautiful architecture and one of the largest library in Asia Before it was destroyed in 1981.The library was burned in June 1981 by an organised mob of indian army. Recommended. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👍👍👍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Horst M. 2 months ago on Google • 836 reviews New
    Worth seeing.

  • 4/5 Imalka H. 2 years ago on Google
    It would be great if we could see the inside but after the pandemic entering is only available for members only. The garden is well maintained. The security uncle was very pleasant and friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sachi W. 5 months ago on Google
    Jaffna public Library is the Second largest Library in Sri Lanka and the original building was destroyed with almost all the treasured books during the civil war. However, the building has been rebuilt but the loss of treasured books are irreplaceable.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bhanuka S. 9 months ago on Google
    I've heard lots of stories about this place and i was glad we could visit this place. The place was undergoing some renovations and since today being a holiday we were only allowed to the periodicals sections on the ground floor. There were few people reading news papers and few students (I'm assuming) studying as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maliya N. 1 year ago on Google
    Visitors can visit after 4 p.m. But only can enter the newspaper reading area. You should remove your shoes and slippers before entering to the library. -18/12/2022-
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M.R JAWID R. 1 year ago on Google
    A must visit place. If you are looking for a peaceful place to study then it's here. No sort of disturbances. I loved it. Very polite and helpful staffs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sudheera S. 1 year ago on Google
    Once considered the largest library in Asia. Contained a wealth of knowledge which helped many scholars and experts from Jaffna to excel in their fields and serve the country. Declared open first in 1954 by then Mayor Durayappah and later destroyed by arson in 1981 by illiterate and shortsighted extremists. A key tourist attraction in Jaffna. But only open to visitors after 4pm (we visited at 5pm but couldn't enter in). A place to visit and reflect upon the damage and adversities caused by war and disputes. Also the importance of peace and understanding of each other for development.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pratheepan K. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good service by staff
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Travel like L. 1 year ago on Google
    As a Sri Lankan I’m really sorry about the past.. in 1981 library was fired by some kalakanni (time wasters)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Malo C. 2 months ago on Google • 54 reviews New
    Not much to see actually

  • 5/5 Nandun De S. 5 months ago on Google
    Jaffna, Sri Lanka is home to the Jaffna Public Library. The Jaffna Municipal Council is in charge of this famous monument in Jaffna. Constructed in 1933, the library burned down in 1981. With about 97,000 books and manuscripts, it was one of Asia's largest libraries in the early 1980s.

  • 5/5 Dushmantha D. 6 months ago on Google
    Previously named as south Asia’s biggest library 📚. But I don’t current status after the fire. One of the best place to visit in Jaffna.

  • 4/5 Ross D. 5 months ago on Google
    Well sadly this was partially closed when we arrived. But that's the luck of the day! This is a really extraordinary building but the history is very sad. It is so because the burning of the Jaffna Public Library ( took place on the night of June 1, 1981, when an organized mob of Sinhalese individuals went on a rampage, burning the library. It is regarded as one of the most violent examples of ethnic biblioclasm of the 20th century. According t my research at the time of its destruction, the library was one of the biggest in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts. What a terrible tragedy for Sri Lanka and the world. But the building is wonderful and beautifully preserved.

  • 5/5 Canute Aravintharaj D. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent place to read and rent books. There are children section with valuable books and helpful staff. You can find all kinds of books, journals newspapers and rare books. A landmark location with historical significance

  • 4/5 ishara u. 1 year ago on Google
    The library was built in 1933 and burnt in 1981. During the early 1980s, it was one of the biggest libraries in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscript

  • 5/5 Manju D. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is allowed for visitors only between 4.00pm to 5.00pm. Iconic view for jaffna.


Call +94 212 226 028 Open on Google Maps

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