JHELUM – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – The Lala Lajpat Rai Library Jhelum has reopened its doors after a major facelift, turning a dusty, forgotten reading room into a bright and welcoming space for students and book lovers. This Jhelum library restoration project, led by the district administration, has given the century-old building a fresh start.
Twenty-two-year-old Zain-ul-Abideen visited the library last week after almost a year away, and he could hardly believe his eyes. The place he once knew as dim and worn out now has polished wooden shelves, new lighting, and rows of books waiting to be read.
“It looked like an old building with faded paint,” he said. “Now, with the new shelves, lights and books, it feels like a completely different place.”
The library was first built in 1936 during British rule. A forest department officer named Lala Goran Ditta Mal set it up in memory of his father. Later, it was named after Lala Lajpat Rai, a well-known freedom fighter and writer from that era.
After Pakistan came into being in 1947, the library was renamed Allama Iqbal Library. But now, following the restoration, it carries its original name once again.
This project is part of a bigger push to bring life back into public libraries across Pakistan. Many such spaces have been ignored for years, with low funds and fewer visitors as people turn to phones and screens instead of books.
Deputy Commissioner Mir Reza Ozgen, who led the restoration, said he decided to act after visiting the library and finding only two men reading old newspapers inside.
“I thought this was a place that required a lot of attention,” Ozgen said.
He shared that clearing illegal occupation from the library’s land was one of the toughest parts of the job before any renovation could begin.
The district government spent close to Rs10 million, which is around $36,000, on the project. The money went into new furniture, better lighting, computers, and nearly 4,000 fresh books. The team also made sure to keep much of the building’s old wooden charm intact.
Students say the library feels far more open now. Muaz Naeem, a 23-year-old university student, shared that in the past, visiting required special permission. This pushed many students to travel to cities like Rawalpindi or Lahore just to find a decent place to study.
“Now we can come here freely without unnecessary restrictions,” he said. “It’s a comfortable place where students can study, read and focus.”
Wajiha, a 27-year-old teacher, said the new setup makes people want to stay longer and read more.
“The ventilation is good despite the heat, the arrangements are impressive and the environment makes you want to sit and read,” she said.
Looking ahead, DC Ozgen wants to add internet access, security cameras, and even a small coffee corner. He also plans to hold regular literary events with local writers and teachers taking part.
His bigger hope is for the people of Jhelum to feel this library truly belongs to them.
“The idea is to hand this place back to the people of Jhelum,” he said.
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