Hyderabad’s urban core is steadily expanding westward, and a significant new addition to this growing area is the Coforge Public Library in Kondapur. Perched conspicuously on the eighth floor, directly above a bustling jewelry showroom, this modern library opened its doors just a few days ago. Already, it’s proving to be a resounding success, attracting approximately 400 visitors on Saturdays and an impressive 550 on Sundays, as Hyderabadis eagerly embrace this new intellectual oasis.
Locating the library is straightforward, thanks to its prominently displayed flags. Access is equally simple: a swift elevator journey to the eighth floor and a brief sign-in. Inside, visitors are greeted by the gentle hum of air-conditioning and the soft murmurs of children excitedly searching for their next adventure. The environment is meticulously maintained, with pristine shelves, inviting warm lighting, and comfortable seating, all curated to encourage visitors to relax and immerse themselves in a good book. Notably, the absence of Wi-Fi and the restriction on laptops and tablets serve as a thoughtful invitation to truly unplug and embrace the pure joy of reading.
Anuradha Sehgal from Coforge explains the library’s origin: “The genesis of this library lies in the vision of Coforge CEO Sudheer Singh.” She elaborates that Mr. Singh, having experienced excellent libraries during his upbringing in various Army cantonments across India and later in the U.S., recognized a significant gap in public access to quality libraries. This realization fueled his determination to establish such a vital community resource.
Spanning approximately 15,000 square feet, the Coforge Public Library houses an impressive collection of 15,000 books, comfortably accommodating dozens of readers at any given time. Ms. Sehgal emphasizes its purpose: “A library is a place of knowledge that can fire imagination. That is why we have a range of books with a special area for children,” she notes, underscoring their commitment to fostering imagination and learning for all ages.
In stark contrast, a significant historical landmark lies on the banks of the Musi River: the State Central Library in Afzalgunj, which first opened its doors in 1891. Riyaz, Chairman of the Telangana Rashtra Grandhalaya Parishad, proudly states, “We have six lakh books.” However, a substantial portion of this vast collection is currently unreachable. The magnificent building, originally constructed in 1936, is undergoing one of its most extensive conservation efforts. Visitors would find the main hallway and reception area covered, with inner walls carefully chiseled away in preparation for a fresh application of traditional lime plaster.
Mr. Riyaz candidly admits to past challenges, stating, “For nearly a decade, libraries were ignored and funding had stopped.” He is now actively working to secure the release of the long-overdue library cess. This crucial funding will enable the purchase of new books, the hiring of permanent staff, and a general improvement of the ambiance across all libraries. He reassures the public that the current conservation work on the State Central Library is slated for completion by January 2026.
Under current regulations, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) allocates 8% of the property tax (PT) it collects as a dedicated library cess. Last year alone, the civic body amassed a staggering ₹2,000 crore in property tax. This means that if the funding is properly disbursed as mandated, the city’s libraries are entitled to receive a significant ₹160 crore, a sum that could revolutionize their services.
Mr. Riyaz observes a shift in perception: “From a real library that was part of the library movement in Telangana, this place has become a reading room.” However, he quickly adds, “But the books are there. As a new generation is discovering books, we want to be ready for them,” emphasizing a forward-looking commitment to serving the evolving needs of young readers.
The contrast between these two pillars of Hyderabad’s literary world — one gleaming and new, the other steeped in history but temporarily dormant — presents a fascinating challenge. Ultimately, it will be the city’s enthusiastic readers who bridge this gap, demonstrating renewed patronage for physical libraries and shaping the future of reading in Hyderabad.